Obituary of Mary Ann Aucoin

Mary Ann (Doucet) Aucoin New Waterford We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mary Ann Aucoin on March 18, 2016 at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital at the age of 89. Born in Belle Cote, Margaree on December 26, 1926, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late Dominick & Elizabeth (LeBlanc) Doucet. She is survived by her son, Bobby Aucoin (Marjorie Hillier), New Waterford; daughter, Edna Aucoin (Jack Kelloway), Glace Bay; grandchildren, Robert Aucoin, Glace Bay; Denise (Brian) McLeod, Sydney; Kim (Jason) Hennessy, Sydney; Eric Aucoin (Michelle Parsons), New Glasgow; and their mother, Pauline; Lori Turnbull (Patrick Casey) , Aylmer, Quebec; Jason Turnbull (Sara Frampton), Sudbury, Ontario; great-grandchildren, Ryan & Burke Aucoin, Dominic & Maria McLeod, Katelyn & Abbey Hennessy, Mercedes Casey; and several nieces and nephews. In her younger years, Mary Ann worked as a chambermaid and waitress in Cheticamp and at the lobster plant on Port Hood Island. She and her husband moved to New Waterford in 1951 when Arthur began working in the coal mines and she worked as a housekeeper for several families. She was well known for her Acadian meat pies, fricot, waffles, and Sunday family turkey dinners. She loved bowling, fishing, and picking berries of all kinds (which she generously shared). She greatly enjoyed camping, Cape Breton fiddle music and attending outdoor summer concerts & festivals (especially Belle Cote Days). Mary Ann liked to sew and did many alterations for over 50 years, especially for her good neighbors in "14 Yard". She liked to knit and made many mittens, socks, hats, slippers, and blankets for family & friends. Mary proudly participated in and supported the Terry Fox Foundation Walk for the past 31 years. "Marie" also enjoyed her weekly trips to the Casino, whether it be in her own little car, or in later years, on Bus #9. She formed her own little circle of friends each Tuesday! "Mrs. Aucoin" was always ready and willing to do a favour for a friend, neighbor, or stranger. She dedicated her life to doing good deeds for others (whether it be feeding the neighborhood dogs, bringing in the green bins, or generously providing "drives" to friends & family). Many enjoyed her sharp wit and humour. She is a long-time member of the N.W. Pensioners Club and a former member of the N.W. Assumption Society (French Club). She was a true Christian woman and a loyal, faithful member of St. Leonard’s Parish (former Mount Carmel Church) and a long-time member of St. Leonard’s CWL. When predeceased by her husband, Arthur in 1987, widowed for almost 30 years, she maintained her honest, hard-working, strong, independent Acadian values. "Nanny Aucoin" (as she was affectionately known to her family and extended family) was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and had a heart full of love for her family, especially her 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who loved her dearly. Besides her parents and husband, Mary was also predeceased by her brothers, Joseph, Arsene, and Philip. Visitation for Mary Ann will take place from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday,March 22nd at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. The funeral mass celebrating her life will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March23rd, at St. Leonard’s Church in New Waterford with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Reception will follow at the KOC Hall, Plummer Avenue. Burial will take place in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Anyone wishing to honour Mary Ann can make a donation in her memory to the Terry Fox Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to: www.vjmcgillivray.ca "Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting."