Obituary of Mary Margaret McIsaac, New Waterford

With a deep sense of thankfulness and love, we the children announce the passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, Margaret McIsaac. Margaret passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 6, 2024 at Maple Hill Manor, her home the past three years. Born in Inverness, Margaret was the daughter of the late Rannie C. and Flora (MacNeil) MacDonald.

Margaret worked for many years at Woolworths in New Waterford where she managed the lunch counter. She and her sister, Ann, served many plates of fries to the little ones and many cups of tea and slices of pie to the adults. Many were delivered with a good laugh. Mom loved the outdoors. She and Gussie spent many summers fishing and camping in Lake Ainslie; Mom and Dad’s greatest pleasure in life was to be surrounded by their families, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We were so very blessed to have them in our lives.

Margaret is survived by her son, Ronnie (Debbie), Bedford, Nova Scotia and her daughter, Patsy (Paul) MacDonald. She will be forever missed by her grandchildren, Paula (Greg) Morrison, Ronalda Stapleton, Bernie MacDonald (Raylene), Christena (Brad Olsen), Ian (Stephanie) McIsaac, Elizabeth (Ian MacDonald); her precious great-grandchildren, Margaret, Michael, Maria, Kate, Claire, Marnie, Ainsley and Anna also mourn the loss of their Nannie Margaret. Margaret is survived by her sister, Ann; sisters-in-law, Isabel MacDonald, Leone MacDonald, Helen Clarke, Ninnie McIsaac, and brother-in-law, Ray MacDougall. Margaret was predeceased by her parents; husband, Gussie; sisters, Kaye (Buddy) Sutherland, Cela MacDougall and brothers, Neilie (Mary), Collie, James and Bernie; brother-in-law, Jackie MacKenzie.

Mom is survived by two special caregivers the past number of years. We would like to mention our deepest gratitude and love to Alberta Jamael and to Mom’s nephew, Robert MacDonald for the wonderful care, love, and compassion that they showed to our mother. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the entire staff at Maple Hill Manor for the kindness and love you showed our mother. You truly made her final years comfortable and filled with love. For this we are forever grateful.

Mom’s strong faith was the guiding light in her life. She loved her masses, rosaries, and interfaith services at the manor. How very fitting that her last rites were administered by our parish priest, Father Godwin Oblike. The hymn he sang for her brought comfort to us all.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held Friday, December 20 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of Saint Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue with Fr. Godwin Oblike officiating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a reception to follow at the K.O.C. Hall, Plummer Avenue, New Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maple Hill Manor, King Street, New Waterford or Saint Vincent de Paul. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjgillivray.ca.

                                   Card of Thanks

We, the family, would love to express our deepest thanks to all who showed us such an outpouring of love, caring, and genuine concern during the passing of our beloved Mom. We feel so privileged to have grown up in a small community where neighbors and dear friends become family. This was so evident in the days before and after Mom's passing. To the MacDonald and McIsaac extended families, our dear neighbors from "the shore" and our own neighborhoods, we thank you so much for the love and kindness shown to Mom over the years. Your home visits, phone calls, cards, and visits to the Manor made her so happy. She loved you all.

For all of those wonderful people who choose to take care of others in continuing care, "God Bless You" as Mom would say. You are doing a wonderful job. To Nathan Solden and the staff at New Waterford Heights, thank you so much for taking such good care of Mom for the first two and a half years. To Kendra Baldwin, Karen Wilson, Joe Noseworthy and the entire staff at Maple Hill Manor, you gave Mom her  "home away from home" for the past three years. You were her extended family. She loved her kisses and hugs, which were readily available every day. We always felt so safe leaving her in your care. To Stephanie Noga N.P., our sincerest thanks for your many visits and kindnesses the past five years. Your genuine care for your patients is amazing. Mom loved your visits. 

Our heartfelt thanks to Alberta Jamael. You are an angel. The love you showed to Mom was beyond measure the past twelve years as her caregiver in her home and later in continuing care. We can never repay you for all  you did for Mom and for our family. To Mom's nephew Robert, you were her number one man. You greeted her every morning at the Manor before your shift began and often returned later in the evening to share a cup of tea with her. Thank you so much Rob for filling her day with love. We don't know how we would have survived the last few days of her life without you. You were with us until the end. 

We thank our Pastor, Fr. Godwin Obike, for administering the last rites and celebrating her life with us. Thank you so much for your wonderful tribute to our Mom. Special thanks to Karen Burke, Kevin Kearney and Saint Leonard Choir. The music was heartwarming....all of her favorite hymns gave us such great comfort. 

Our sincerest thanks to Basil and Basil R. McGillivray and their staff. Under your care, professionalism and attention to detail, this difficult time was so much easier to bear. You have a unique way of making us feel like family. To the KOC ladies, thank you so much for the beautiful luncheon. It was such a busy time of year and we thank you for hosting our reception. 

"Chances are that at some point each of us might be inspired by a thought or a feeling to do something simple yet extraordinary for someone. By acting on it you might make a huge difference in somebody's life".

Patsy, Ron and Families