Obituary of Mary Isabelle Piovesan, New Waterford

We, the children of Mary Isabelle Piovesan (Murphy) are saddened to announce the passing of our loving, strong, independent mother on Monday, February 28, 2022. Born on July 9, 1931, there was no stronger woman than Ma. She wanted only the best for her family and instilled a work ethic in all of us to make sure we accomplished our goals. There was never a free ride for her, and she wanted her children and grandchildren to know the benefits of working hard and becoming independent. She loved hard! Her love and generosity came in many ways, but mainly in her desire to feed us all with her homemade meals. Her husband, children, and grandchildren all could rely on hot meals, a clean house, and everything done just so. But don’t think she stopped at that; she worked in the garden, mowed lawns, shoveled snow, painted ceilings and walls, and scrubbed everything that couldn’t run from her! And this was all into her late 80’s! She worked outside the home too, as a cook in several restaurants such as the Heather Beverage Room, Bonnie Prince, and Joe's Warehouse where she introduced several of her own menu items. As a young adult, Ma lived and worked in various US states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut and California. She loved to sing! She was a member of several singing groups including the Inspirational Singers, Memory Lane Singers, Whitney Pier Legionnaire Singers and the Saint Agnes Choir. She was also a member of the New Waterford Legion, St. Agnes Ladies Auxiliary and the Irish Benevolent Society where she taught Irish Dancing for many years. Her children have so many wonderful memories! Ma wanted her children to have the childhood she never had, showing us that play was as important as work and teaching us to swim and skate and ride bikes. Da worked with the Canadian Coast Guard so was away a lot, but she didn’t want that to stop her. Her love of the outdoors brought her to purchase a small popup trailer that she would hook up to her old car, pile her 6 kids, a German shepherd and maybe a few neighborhood kids into, and take camping in Sangaree. In her last hours, she was comforted by those she loved the most including her 4 daughters, 2 sons, and several grandchildren. She passed away with the company of her 4 daughters while gentle Cape Breton fiddle music played. She was predeceased by, and now joins in heaven, her loving husband, Louie Piovesan; first grandchild, Laurie Gail Piovesan; grandparents, Peter J and Mary 'Mama' Murphy; father, Peter W. Murphy; mother, May Scott; sister, Theresa Giroux, and recently her cousin, Mickey Baker. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was devoted in her love of God. She is survived by her 6 children, Carter Piovesan (Eileen), Bridget Piovesan (Stan), Louie Piovesan (Beverly), Theresa Piovesan (Tony), Carol Piovesan (Dean), Lisa Piovesan; 6 of her grandchildren, Tony, Carter Jr., Angela, Ashley, Ryne and Jeremy; and 9 great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, Mar. 4, 2022 from 9-10:30 a.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass will follow in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, at 11 a.m. with Father Peter McLeod officiating. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. Covid-19 restrictions will apply. Masks are mandatory with limited seating in the church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. We would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff of Fisherman’s Cove at the Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility for their kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, at Ma’s request, we ask that donations be made to the Children’s Make a Wish foundation, or a charity of your choice.