Irmine Elizabeth MacKenzie
Date de naissance : 19 avril 1920
Date de décès : 8 mars 2019
We, the family, announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Irmine Elizabeth MacKenzie on Friday, March 8, 2019, at the Maple Hill Manor, New Waterford, at the age of 98. She was formerly from Queen St., Sydney Mines and Margaree Forks.
Irmine was born April 19, 1920, to Rose and Landry d’Entremont and raised in the Acadian community of West Pubnico, Nova Scotia.
Her early working years were spent in the Annapolis Valley, where she met her life partner and husband, John MacKenzie at the start of the Second World War. They married in 1946 and had five children. Irmine lived much of her happily married life in Margaree Forks, where she was actively involved in the Catholic Women’s League, the local Wellness Clinic and the Girl Scouts of Canada. Mom was a great cook and could always be counted on to contribute a variety of home baked goods to community fundraisers. Irmine was curious about the world and loved learning. As a young child in grade five, she won the school spelling bee contest by beating out schoolmates from the grade 11 class. Irmine was a voracious reader of local newspapers and books on many subjects, even into her mid 90's. She was a skilled card player with a phenomenal memory that elevated her card game skills. She expressed only one regret in life and that was related to her economic status, which prevented her from completing high school and attending university. Mom had an outgoing personality and a desire to help others in their time of need. She had a keen sense of fairness and was always a willing participant in family and community activities. Mom had an extraordinary dry sense of humor that netted her many smiles and wonderful life-long friends.
Irmine is survived by her five children, Greg (Lucy), Marg Beres (Matt), Brendan (Wendy), Betty (Adrian) and Elaine (Derek); seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and her sister, Denise Amiro (Sam).
She was predeceased by her husband, John MacKenzie and eight siblings.
Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the incredible Sydney Mines Senior Daycare program that looked after Irmine’s physical and social needs for over 25 years following her stroke. She thoroughly enjoyed engaging with their staff/volunteers and made numerous long-term friendships while participating in the many activities offered that allowed her to lead an active life. Our family would also like to thank the staff and many volunteers at Maple Hill Manor for their compassionate and skilled care of our mom. Despite her physical disability, she enjoyed a rewarding quality of life. Special thanks to Lee and Ralph Campbell, who transported Mom to and from the Maple Hill Manor each Christmas Day to one of Irmine’s children’s homes for a festive dinner. Thanks to Will, who introduced Mom to the world of art at age 96 by helping her paint some memorable landscapes in her remaining years. She taught all of us you are never too old to be open to new experiences.
We would like to acknowledge mom’s special relationship with Dorothy, who tended to her hair at the same time providing hours of engaging conversation over coffee. Thank you to Mary and Dennis for your generosity and to Lindsey, who provided personal care and special meals for Mom when our family was not able to be present. The kindness and support of the many additional friends and relatives who enriched our Mom’s life along the way did not go unnoticed. She loved and appreciated all of you.
Our Mom was a gem and we will miss her presence in our lives deeply.
Visitation will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Thursday, March 21 from 1-2 p.m., followed by a service in the chapel at 2 p.m., with Rev. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place at a later date.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
