It is with great sadness that we, the family of Margaret MacKinnon, announce the passing of our amazing mother after 99 years filled with love and laughter.
We were blessed to have her as our mother.
She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 17, at Miners Memorial Manor in Sydney Mines, where she resided for the last year.
Margaret, the daughter of the late Dan X MacNeil and Annie MacNeil (Gillis), was born May 6, 1924, on the farm in Benacadie Pond, N.S. She was predeceased by her husband Roddie MacKinnon in 1972. Together they raised their family of eight children on Keltic Drive (formerly the Barren Road) in a home where prayer and the rosary came first but family gatherings, fiddle-filled ceilidhs and scat games came a close second.
She is survived by her eight children; daughters Dena Fairn, Albany Cross, N.S., Marguerite MacKinnon, Sydney Forks, Brenda Guinard (Paul), Hammonds Plains, N.S., Estelle Reynolds (Bill) Elmsdale, N.S., and Colleen Oram (Brian), Sydney, and sons Hugh MacKinnon (Linda), Benacadie Pond, Bernie MacKinnon (Jo-Ann), Sydney River and Doyle MacKinnon (Michelle), Lethbridge, Alta.; grandchildren Jamey Martell, Cameron MacKinnon, Aaron MacKinnon, Katie MacKinnon Maggie MacKinnon, Brad Ross, Coady Ross, Ainslie Ross, Breton Reynolds, Kerry Reid, Jamis MacKinnon, Connor MacKinnon, Kathleen Neville and Molly MacKinnon; and many great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sister Rita Madore, Sydney and sister-in-law Flo MacNeil, Christmas Island.
In addition to her husband Roddie, Margie was also predeceased by two children in infancy, siblings Aggie MacDonald, Bessie Coombs, Mary MacDonald, Pte. Hugh MacNeil, Jimmy MacNeil, Angus MacNeil, Pat MacNeil and Murdoch MacNeil; son-in-laws Laird Fairn, Malcolm MacKinnon and Garth Ross.
Our mother’s life, and how she comported herself in good times and bad, is to be celebrated.
She endured a period of hardships in her life, particularly raising a house full of children by herself after the premature death of her husband. But her faith, fortitude and resilience made what was a very difficult period, appear easy. She was a master of putting life in perspective.
Throughout her lifetime, she was always grateful for what she had, not resentful of what she didn’t. Her ability to give when she had so little, to bestow kindness on those in need of comfort, defined her. She epitomized both strength and generosity.
A devout Catholic, her faith sustained her through the ebbs and flows of life. She said the rosary daily, right up until the end.
Margie was a founding member of Our Lady of Fatima parish in Sydney River and a longtime member of the Catholic Women’s League.
She was an amazing cook and baker, especially her homemade bread. She worked magic with all her dishes, except perhaps steak. And she was active well into her 90s whether it was bowling, ice fishing or playing cards.
Margie Dan X (as she was known), or ‘Nanny’ (as she was endearingly regarded by her grandchildren and great grandchildren), left the farm in her youth and worked in the big city of Toronto with her sisters during the Second World War before marrying. After her children had left home, she also spent a decade in Brantford, Ont., enjoying life with her sister Mary before returning to Sydney to reside with her son Bernie and wife Jo-Ann up until a year ago.
Though she travelled in her later years, with daughters taking her on trips to St.Lucia and Scotland, no place on this earth held a candle to her birthplace in Benacadie Pond. And nothing made her happier than looking down from the hills surrounding the pond and seeing her children, and her siblings’ children, still occupying the family farmland generations later. “Dan X would be proud” she’d often say.
She won her last game of scat in Benacadie just a few weeks ago, besting her most skilled protege when they were both on their face. As good as her card playing was, she was equally adept at verbally victimizing her prey. She was truly a gem.
We were so blessed to have her sharp mind and wit with us throughout her lifetime.
In keeping with her nightly sign-off, ’Good night and God bless’ mom.
Visitation will take place at T.W. Curry’s Parkview Chapel Friday, October 20, from 5-8 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Sydney River at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 21, with Fr. Conrad Edwards officiating. Interment will be held following the mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Sydney Forks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Barra’s Cemetery Christmas Island, through St. Columba Church, Iona.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the entire staff at Miners Memorial Manor, all of whom enhanced her quality of life and brought her great joy this past year. To share memories and condolences please visit www.twcurry.com.
