Obituary of Annie May MacKenzie, Glace Bay

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beautiful Mother on Saturday November 17, 2018 in her home she shared with her daughter Cheryl and son-in-law Gary, for over 30 years. Ma passed in her beautiful room filled with love and surrounded by her loving family. She was in her 95th year.

Born and raised in Donkin on December 8, 1923, Ma was the daughter of the late George William and Mary Bessie (MacLeod) Green. Ma was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Her younger years were filled with love from her close-knit family. Ma met the love of her life, Melvin James, on a blind date in Port Morien; they married in 1944.

Widowed at the tender age of 44 years, she devoted her whole life to her 6 children. Our memories will always be filled with an abundance of love, kindness and understanding. Her children frequently told her she was “the best mother ever”… and she was.

The Church was always an important part of Ma’s life; she and her sisters, often referred to as “the Green girls”, began singing in the choir at an early age. They began at St Luke’s in Donkin, followed by over 50 years as a senior choir member at Epworth United church and finally at Newsom United Church, where she was a faithful member. Ma was a member of the Rippling Waves Rebekah Lodge, Port Morien.

Throughout the years Ma took every opportunity to travel. Two of the many highlights were a trip to Jamaica with her sister Elsie and a Caribbean cruise she received as a gift from her 6 children for her 65th birthday.  Ma was an avid reader and enjoyed her game shows where she often surprised us with her general knowledge of the world.

Ma is survived by her 5 children whom she adored, daughters, Melva Anne (Halifax),Mary Christene (Hugh Morey), Fort Nelson, BC, Kathy Marlene (Ray McIsaac), Port au Port, NL,Cheryl Lynne (Gary Deveaux) , Glace Bay and by her son, James Scott (London, Ontario.)

Lovingly referred to as Nan, Nannie or GG, she has left a loving legacy to her 16 grandchildren, 16 great- grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. Ma is also survived by her loving sister-in-law, Dorothy (Hugh Morrison), numerous nieces and nephews and a special friend, Jeanette Deveaux.

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband, Melvin James (1968) and her son, George Freeman (2014). She was also predeceased by her siblings, Gordon Green, Ellen MacLeod, Doris Peach, Lawrence Green and most recently by her sister Elsie McDonald, (7 months ago).

Our hearts are heavy but we take joy in that she is reunited with all of those she loved and missed deeply.

Our family would like to thank so many who helped Ma achieve her final wish, to pass at home, a place that was filled with beautiful memories for her.

To Ma’s earth angels, Tena Simmons, Yvonne White, Valerie Wadden & Trisha Hinchey, words cannot express the love and gratitude we have for you.

To Dr. Carol Boutilier, the love and compassion you have shown to Ma over many years will never be forgotten, we thank you.

To Palliative Care, Dr. Ritter, Dr. Burns and Michelle Kelly RN, you attended to each and every detail to keep Ma comfortable in her final days. To VON, your daily visits brought us peace and comfort, each and every nurse were loving and supportive, thank you. To New Waterford Homecare and New Dawn Homecare, the ladies who visited with Ma treated her like royalty, we thank you.

To V.J. McGillivray Funeral home, your care and professionalism made these difficult times so much easier.

For those who had the privilege to know and love Ma, the family would like to leave you with her final message, a quote she truly loved, “Love’s Last Gift…Remembrance”.

Cremation has taken place. Family will receive friends on Thursday, November 22, 2018 from 6 to 9 pm at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay.

Funeral service will take place Friday at Newsom United Church, Dominion St. Glace Bay, at 11 am, followed by a luncheon. Rev. Thomas Whent officiating.

Private family interment will take place following the luncheon at Black Brook Cemetery, Port Morien, alongside her husband and son.

Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to Newsom United Church, Glace Bay.

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca