Obituary of Florence Agnes 'Faye' (MacArthur) Petrie, Scotchtown

Our hearts are broken and we are deeply saddened to say goodbye to our beautiful mother (and best friend) who passed away on March 16, 2021. Faye was born in Inverness on Nov 9, 1933 to John Willie MacArthur and Mary Catherine (Beaton); the family moved to New Waterford when she was a child. As a young woman she met Russell “Durango”, the love of her life. They lived most of their married life in Scotchtown where they raised their children. The door to their home was always open to family, friends, and even strangers in need. Growing up, our home was a perfect example of the “Do Drop In”. Our Mom truly loved life to the fullest through simple pleasures like chatting with family and her many friends. She could strike up a friendly conversation with anyone, anywhere. She enjoyed growing her silver dollars yearly and giving them to family members as well as knitting her dishcloths for family, friends and as donations. She also volunteered her time to the KOC, Coal Bowl, Minor Hockey and was a valued member of the Scotchtown Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Faye was a member of the Parish Church of St. Leonard. Ma had the biggest, softest, kindest heart. Her laughter and sense of humour were on display throughout her whole life. She had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest; travelling, shopping trips to Maine and camping (especially Hay’s River, Glencoe and Sangaree). She enjoyed game shows, Bingo, Tarabish and Poker with her club night friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family ... her husband and best friend, Durango, her children, grandchildren and great -grandchildren (all of whom idolized her). She worked various jobs before starting her career as a PCW at Maple Hill Manor until retirement. Faye is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Gerard ) MacNeil; sons, Derrick (Francie) and Harry; grandchildren, Ashley (KJ) Drake, Amanda and Braydon Petrie and Hannah and Waylon Petrie; great- grandchildren, Freya and Denver Drake; brother, James “Jim” (Micki); sisters-in-Law, Edna MacArthur and Dorothy Scott; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Russell; son, Russey; sister, Rose (Dougald) Kennedy, and brothers John, Don, Francis “Buddy”, William “Billy”, Harry, and Duncan. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home and Cremation Center, New Waterford. Due to COVID-19 regulations, a funeral service will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to Maple Hill Manor or any charity of choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Many thanks to her care specialists at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, Glace Bay General Hospital, Cape Breton Regional Hospital and VON.