Rebecca \'Olive\' MacKay
Born In: Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: March 25th, 2009
With great sadness, we announce that Olive passed away peacefully at the Alderwoood Rest Home on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, surrounded by her loving family.
Olive was a member of Farquharson Memorial Presbyterian Church, the ladies auxiliary and the WMS, in that community. During her lifetime, she was the director, over many terms, of the Victoria Farmer’s Co-op, the Baddeck Valley Wood Producers and the Victoria County Memorial Hospital. She was a charter member of the Victoria Chapter of the Eastern Star No. 19, Baddeck and went through all 16 offices before receiving her 60 year jewel.
Olive taught school for 40 years, teaching all grades from primary to grade 11, closing many one room schools around the county before finishing her career at Baddeck Elementary School in 1988. She served for a time as secretary of the Teachers’ Union at the provincial level. Olive worked tirelessly and enjoying every moment of teaching until her age dictated that she must stop. Married in 1949 to William MacKay, God blessed them with six children; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Olive is survived by her loving husband, Billie; son, Grant (Chrissie) MacKay; daughters, Ruth Ann (Michael) Coady, Heather (Gary) Gomuwka, Kathy (John) Kutschinski-Kennedy and daughter-in-law, Debbie MacKay. She is also survived by sister, Jean Grant and special nephew, Gordon (Linda) MacIver. Left to mourn as well are special friends, Ivan and Thyra Bona; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and faithful friends that she has acquired over the years.
Olive was predeceased by parents, Alex and Anne Jane (MacRae) Grant; brother, Duncan Grant; sister, Charlotte MacIvor; daughter, Brenda Jean MacKay (in infancy); son, Sandy MacKay and son-in-law, Larry Kutschinski.
The family thanks Dr. Chow, Dr. Genge and the wonderful staff of the Alderswood Rest Home for the support, care and respect provided througout this time.
Visitation will be at MacAskill’s Funeral Home, Sunday, March 29, between the hours of 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Eastern Star service will be at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Farquharson Memorial Presbyterian Church on Monday, March 30, 2009 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Cameron Brett officiating. Interment to follow in the Middle River Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alderwood Rest Home or the charity of one’s choice.
