Rachel MacDonald MacIsaac

Dateline: Glencoe Station

April 5,1914-April 5, 2010

Rachel left this world on her 96th birthday, peacefully surrounded by her family at the Inverary Manor, Inverness. She would always welcome you with a smile every time you saw her. You were always sure to get a hot cup of tea and some tasty baked goodies. They were many a good time had at Nana’s house.

Rachel was predeceased by her husband John Hughie. Survived by her sons Allan (Tina) Ont., Buddy (Judy) Glencoe, David (Anita) Glencoe. 11 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grand Children. Sisters Kaye Judique, Mary Ann Mabou Harbour and Mary Belle Sydney. Many Nieces and nephews. Along with her husband she was predeceased by her parents Archie & Christie Belle. Brothers John Rory, James Allan, Roddie and Josie. sisters Peggy and Mae

Visitation will in Saint Peters Parish Hall on Wednesday April 7, 2010, from 7-9 pm and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9.

Funeral mass will be held on Friday April 9, 2010 at 11 am from St. Peters Parish Church, Port Hood with Fr Victor Ozfuanya and Fr. Bernie MacDonald officiating, burial in the parish cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Inverary Manor, Inverness or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

On line condolences may be sent to www.invernessfuneralhome.com.

Rachel's Biography

Rachel was born April 5th 1914 in Judique Intervale (Judique, N.S.) to her parents Archie and Christie Belle Mac Donald. Rachel had four brother John Rory, James Allan, Josie and Roddie. Sisters Peggy and Mae which are all deceased. Remaining sisters Mary Belle Bersuk, Sydney, Kaye who still resides on the old family farm in Judique Intervale and Mary Rankin, Mabou Harbour.

Growing up in the era was very trying and hard working on the farm. Rachel was always involved in the hard work, she participated in her daily work with no questions asked. Rachel got her education in a little one room school house in Judique Intervale. She eventually left the farm to find employment in Falcon Bridge, Ont where she worked in a hotel. Later she moved to Boston, Mass where she worked for many years as a housekeeper.

Rachel later returned to her native Cape Breton and back home to her beloved Judique Intervale. In August 1948 she married John Hughie Mac Isaac, left Judique Intervale and moved to Glencoe Station which became her home for 58 years, the last 4 years of her life she resided in the Inverary Manor, Inverness.

Rachel and John Hughie raised three sons Allan, Buddy and David. Even with a busy household, she opened her home up to teachers who needed a place to stay while teaching at the Glencoe Station School. Teachers who boarded there always remember her great smile and generosity, they became part of the family.

Rachel always took a keen interest in what her boys were involved in. She followed all their activities in sports, especially hockey. Rachel was an avid fan of the Glencoe Hawks hockey team which all three boys played on. She would always attend these games cheering for them and their team members. She also enjoyed harness racing along with John Hughie who raced horses at the old Port Hood track, Inverness and Sydney. This sport rubbed off on the three boys who are presently involved in harness racing.

Rachel was blessed with 11 grandchildren Angie, Ashley, Vickie, Rena, Shanea, Jason, Jeffery, Perry, Jamie, Troy and Amber. 5 great-grandchildren Cole, Reid, Raya, Alexander and Thaya whom she enjoyed, loved and cherished very much. Weather it be sporting events, graduations,weddings, christenings she was always in attendance it was a very proud moment in her life to watch them grow and see their many accomplishments.

Rachel's love for people was always evident, her home was always open to young and old alike. She loved company immensely even if it was for a cup of tea or a highball or just to sit and talk. She was well known for her biscuits and molasses cookies, which didn't last long. Her delicious baked goods were often sneaked when nobody was looking from the pantry.

Rachel's last employment was Mary's Hill Home in Mabou where she was employed as a housekeeper. There she touched the hearts of the residents, who had mental disabilities. She showed great care and compassion for them as she went about her daily routine. This was shown again when John Hughie took sick with cancer for eighteen years she stayed close to his side looking after all his needs. This is a test of what a truly remarkable women that she was.

Rachel was a kind hearted women who never criticized or found fault with anyone. She loved and lived life to the fullest. Her neighbours and friends always talked about her in the highest regard. People would often talk about the quiet, kind, generous women that she was and she will always be remembered for, the smile she always had for everyone.

She enjoyed the simple things in life family and friends were the closest to her heart. Especially Donnie and Tena MacNeil her neighbors for so many years. Rachel loved baking, tending to her plants, she really enjoyed spring, getting out in the sun, planting flowers and cherished her lilac bush.

Rachel was a devoted catholic, strong in her faith, knowing it would always get her through anything that came her way. She was a dedicated member of the CWL for 58 years. It was fitting that Rachel was called home on April 5th which was her birthday. She loved her birthday more than any other holiday and looked forward to it each year. She was a very kind hearted, special lady who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

God Bless You.