Obituary of Bernice 'Niecie' Norma MacPherson, Scotchtown

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Niecie (Bernice) Norma MacPherson (Gouthro) also known as Nanny Muffin, on January 9th, 2023, at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer, with her family by her side.

Nieice was born on November 2nd, 1956, in New Waterford, NS, to the late George and Theresa (Hurley) Gouthro. 

Niecie was a member of the Scotchtown Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was also an avid bingo player and was known as the party planner, planning anything from birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, graduations, etc; she always loved helping others! 

Niecie lit up every room she entered and made an impact on so many peoples' lives. Niecie’s greatest love was her family. All of her girls are so proud to call her their mom. She was everyone’s “Nanny Muffin” and loved everyone like they were one of her own. 

Mom enjoyed watching hockey. She made it known to others that the Montreal Canadiens were her favourite team. Mom also looked forward to going shopping with her sister, Ann and partying with her friend, Virginia. She enjoyed a cup of tea and many conversations with her friend, Mary Pasher. Mom loved her nickname, Nanny Muffin, that was given to her by her grandson, Charlie, who was more like her son.

She is survived by her daughters, Shelly MacPherson, Cherie (Duke) Williams, Amanda (Paul) MacPherson, and Haylee MacPherson; grandchildren, Charlie (Heather), Austin (Colin), Branden, Hannah (Jerimy), Bailey (Ethan), Keagen and Addilynn; great- grandchildren, Alana, Chloe and Nova; sisters, Pauline (Jinx) Peckham and Ann (Jimmy) Ryan; goddaughter, Holly. 

Besides her parents, Niecie is predeceased by her husband, Stephen MacPherson; sisters, Diane and Cathy; brothers, James and Georgie; mother and father in-law, Jacqueline and Frank MacPherson (MacIsaac). She was also predeceased by her beloved dog of 11 years, Rio.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses at the New Waterford Hospital for the excellent care they provided to Mom during her stay. We would also like to thank the staff for all the little extras they did for Mom to make her days a little easier.

Niecie loved to go out dancing with her husband Stephen, and just after a short 4 months they are reunited again; taking on the dance floor in Heaven. 

Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. As per her wishes, there will be no visitation. Funeral Mass will take place Saturday, January 14th, 2023 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Jim Oliver officiating. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the New Waterford Legion, branch 15.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund.

Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.