It is with deep sorrow that the family of E. Jean MacKay, 84, of Scotsburn announces her peaceful passing at the Maritime Oddfellows Home, Pictou on Oct. 30, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Hardwood Hill, Pictou Co., she was the only daughter of the late John and Mary (MacKenzie) Quinn.
She worked at Scotsburn Co-op where she met and married her husband of 62 years, James V. MacKay. Together they raised a close-knit family of five children, who were all with her in her final days. Jean was graced with a truly compassionate, generous heart and a warm and fun-loving spirit that made a difference in many lives. She was very active in her church, teaching Sunday School, as a CGIT leader, and a life member of the UCW. She was a member of Bethel Rebekah Lodge, having joined in 1948 and held many offices in that organization. Mom was a great cook and quilter, and it brought her much joy and pleasure to not only share with others, but to pass on her love of these talents to her children and grandchildren. She also loved to play cards and travel, but will be remembered best for her wisdom, strength and love. She was and always will be the glue that bound our family together. She welcomed everyone into our home with great warmth in her heart and there was always room for one more. Always in our hearts, forever smiling in our memories, the gift of Jean’s light will continue to shine.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Danny (Shirley), Greenhill; daughters, Elizabeth Chenell, Sylvester; Janice Chadwick (David), Caribou River; Beverley Ann Chisholm (George), Plainfield; Heather Hayward (Jim), Westville. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren: Kevin MacKay, Melissa Friel, Ashley Ketch, Michael Chenell, Mark Chenell, JD Chadwick, Kurt Chadwick, Kelly Chisholm-MacDonald, Greg Chisholm, Kali Chisholm, Steven Hayward, Paul Hayward and Amy Hayward; and six precious great grandchildren: Connor Chenell, Claire, Emily and Leah Friel, Elijah Chadwick and Cameron Ketch who will all remember their beloved MUM for her undivided attention and her great “bear hugs”. For the babies too young to know, her memory will be kept alive through the many wonderful stories they will hear.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Rev. Wesley Quinn; grandson, Craig Chenell and son-in-law, Glenn Chenell.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Her funeral will be held 2 p.m. Saturday from Scotsburn United Church, with Rev. Jim Webber-Cook officiating. Interment will be in Bethel Cemetery, Scotsburn.
Family flowers only please. Jean would be pleased if donations were made to the IWK Health Centre Foundation, the Maritime Oddfellows Home Recreation Fund, or a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences: www.mclarenfuneral.ca