The family of Isabel Louise MacGillivary of South Bar, Cape Breton, regret to announce her passing at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Thursday, January 6, 2022, after a brief illness. Isabel was born on March 13, 1933, to the late Angus A., and Elizabeth (Gillis) MacLellan of Grand Mira North. Isabel received her early education in Grand Mira, St. Agnes School, New Waterford, and graduated from St. Joseph’s Convent High School in Mabou.
Isabel was gifted with an inquiring mind and could be depended upon to know of historical events, geography and to always have her trusted “Medical Book” near at hand. Isabel worked at the Royal Bank in North Sydney and at Eastern Light and Power Office before meeting her special husband of 55 years, Herb MacGillivary of South Bar. They were married in 1955 and together raised seven daughters and three sons. As the children got older Isabel became a student herself at the Cape Breton Business College which earned her a place on the staff of the Cape Breton District School Board Office, retiring in 1994 from the Accounts Payable Department.
The MacGillivary house in South Bar was home to many where Isabel and Herbie made sure you were greeted with open arms and were well fed. Sunday’s “big dinner” will always be fondly remembered by the family, as well as extended family from “away”, who always made sure to visit “The Bar” for laughs, stories, and Isabel’s long goodbyes at the door—not wanting people to leave, waving as the car left the driveway.
Isabel and Herbie’s love for Scottish music led to her join to the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association, serving on the executive and working the gate at the annual concerts. Being lovers of music and dancing, they attended many concerts, dances, and events near and far. Isabel taught step dancing for a number of years and was a member of the Cape Breton Gaelic Choir. Isabel and Herbie also made many trips to Boston to visit relatives and friends, and after retirement, they vacationed annually in Dunedin, Florida where they established many wonderful friendships.
Isabel is survived by her children, Josephine, South Bar; Louise (Peter Chaffey), Dartmouth; Irene, South Bar; Eileen (Bill Sarantos), Melbourne, Florida; Genevieve (Donnie Richardson), South Bar; Joyce, Sydney; Terry (Jan), Sydney River; Bill, British Columbia/Cape Breton; Rita (Barry Best), Sydney; Vince (Deanne), Sydney. She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren, Kevin, Elizabeth (Chris), John, Ryan (Teya), Angus (Jess), Will (Laura), Anna (Kenzie), Christopher, Corey (Alex), Rylea, Carter, Nicholas, Emma, Ben, Ella, Lauren, and by her great granddaughters, Isabella, Maclaine and Addison.
Isabel is also survived by her sister, Sister Josephine MacLellan, Sydney and her sisters in law, Emily (Martin) MacLellan, Grand Mira; Patsy (Andy) MacLellan, Sydney; Fran (Frank) MacLellan, Malta; Connie (Greg) Boone, New Waterford; and Cecilia (Tom) Nearing, Guelph, Ontario.
Besides her parents and husband, Isabel is predeceased by her siblings and their spouses, Donald (Annie), Annie (Jolly) Morrison, Jeanette (Lauchie) Gillis, Martin, Vincent, Rose (Bill) Burke, Sister Rita MacLellan, Margaret (Donald) Gillis, Andy, John (Pat), Frank and Alexander; and her in-laws, Jenny (Neil/Bob) MacDonald-Kinsella, Rita (Sander) Melnyk, Bernadette (Johnny) Bryden, Billy (Phyllis), Greg Boone and Tom Nearing.
Our sincere thank you to the people who supported our mother along her journey. We are forever grateful. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia or to a charity of your choice.
