It is with great sadness that the family of Stella (Healey) McGuigan, widow of the late Dr. James Patrick McGuigan, announces her passing on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Stella was born on May 4, 1916, in Grindstone, Magdalen Islands. She was the only daughter of Bridget (Doody) and Patrick Healey and the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her four brothers, Clarence, James, Cyril and Harold.
Stella spent her infancy and early childhood in North Sydney, Nova Scotia. In 1929 she moved with her family to Halifax where she attended both College St. School and The Covent of the Sacred Heart where she excelled academically.
After marrying in 1940 she settled in to a busy life of raising five children and pursuing her passions for bridge, ballroom dancing and acting as hostess for numerous parties and dinners.
Following the death of her husband, Stella turned her hand to new pursuits such as volunteering (The Art Gallery of NS, Northwood and Spencer House), adult education (Elder Learners) and traveling, which she embraced with a passion visiting over 21 countries in as many years. But her biggest passion was her family who brought her so much joy in her later quiet years.
Left to celebrate her life are: her five children, James Patrick, Vancouver, B.C.; Peter Thomas, Mary (James Baglole), Halifax; Catherine Ann (Paul Steed) and Sharon Lillian, Toronto; six grandchildren, Deirdre and Neil McGuigan, Christy (DiLello), Joel and Matthew Baglole and Justin Ing; and five great-grandchildren, Julia Beall, Bella and Nyla DiLello, Liam, Claire and Timothy Baglole.
Thank you to the staff at the QEII Infirmary Site for their wonderful care during Stella's final days. Very special thanks to Jennifer Murphy and the staff at the Berkeley Gladstone for enriching Mom's short stay with them.
Visitation will be at Cruikshank's Funeral Home Sunday, Feb. 7, 1 to 5 p.m. Funeral Monday, Feb. 8, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Father Toochukwa Okafor officiating. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Family flowers only.
Donations can be made to Hope Cottage.

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