Ann Marie MacLean
Passed on: April 29th, 2008
East Bay/Sydney With much joy for a life well lived, we announce the peaceful passing of our sister on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. Ann was born in Sydney, N.S. in 1943, the daughter of the late John J and Mary Gertrude MacLean. A graduate of Riverview High School, she attended Xavier Jr. College and later worked with the Royal Bank. In 1966, she began a 23-year career as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines in the United States. Following training in Miami she flew out of Chicago, New York and Boston. Her career took her across the U.S.A. and the Caribbean. For 18 years her home base was Boston because it allowed easy access back home to family and friends on her beloved Cape Breton Island. In 1989 she took early retirement from the airline and joined her brother Charles at the Markland Resort in Dingwall, northern Cape Breton. There her warmth and concern for others gained her a following among the travelling public. Going the extra mile was part of her character. She was genuinely interested in people and they responded with love and affection. Many of her lifelong friends came from the staff and guests of this little inn at the top of the island. Ann lived life to the fullest and even though she travelled the world her happiest days were spent at the bungalow in Island View hosting a big ‘Scoff’ for family and friends. Ann is survived by siblings, Allan (Mae) MacLean, Island View, Clare (Donnie) Sasco, Sydney, Ed (Lois Beaton) MacLean, Halifax, Charles (Daryl) MacLean, Dingwall, and Joan (Peter) Carson, Calgary. Also by Rannie Gillis, partner and travel companion; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thanks to friend and caregiver Dorothy Novak, the VON, and the palliative care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. There will be no visitation by request. A memorial service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, East Bay. Reception to follow at Sydney Forks Recreation Centre. Condolences may be sent to the family care of T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney. Donations to SPCA or Palliative Care.
