It is with great sadness that we announce the passing at age 94 of our mother Mona Frances MacLeod of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia on Saturday, November 8th, 2025.

Much gratitude is expressed to the staff of Seaview Manor (and prior to that, at Williston House Assisted Living Home in Sydney) who cared for her with such kindness and compassion during the final years of her life.

Our mother was born in Whitney Pier, N.S. in 1931 to William and Jennie Crosman. She was the second-youngest of twelve siblings (Harry, Tommy, Mary Ellen, Charles, Norma, Jean, Margaret, Anna, Christina, Wilma and Helen), all of whom preceded her in death.

From a young age, Frances displayed a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. At the completion of her time at Sydney Academy, she entered nurse’s training at the General Hospital in Glace Bay and became a registered nurse. For over thirty years, Frances worked in the obstetrics department of the General Hospital and became well known by a generation of mothers for the kindness she extended to them when they had their babies under her watchful eye. Our mother often claimed to have changed the diapers of many of our childhood friends so, needless to say, our friends were always well behaved whenever they came to call.

But Frances became known for more than being a nurse. Her door was always open and her teapot was always on. A truer, more generous friend and neighbour would have been hard to find. Many others came to know her as the “Tea Lady” of Knox Church for her ability to make the hottest cups of tea for all manner of church functions put on by the United Church Women. Some people knew her as the “Doll Lady” due to her love of dolls and her large collection of porcelain dolls that she would display at Town House during Summerfest days (when she was also a member of the organizing committee), as well as to those residents of nursing homes. She was especially pleased to bring her dolls to women suffering from dementia so that they could hold “their own babies” as they held her dolls.

Many knew her from her volunteer work with Meals on Wheels. She was also a member of the Social Committee during her time spent at Williston House Assisted Living Home. Finally, she was a proud member of the fraternal order of the Rebekahs, helping to raise funds for many worthwhile causes. Whether it was a cup of hot tea, a warm blanket in the maternity ward, a good meal, a chance to hold and touch her dolls or else, doing good deeds to help others in need, Frances was always willing to give of herself for the sake of others. She was a true Christian lady who possessed a lovely soul. We believe that she made the world better simply by being herself.

Frances is predeceased by her husband John MacInnes, whom she met while in her training to be a nurse. Together they explored the world and shared many happy moments of companionship and laughter and love. She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews and other relatives on the Crosman and MacInnes sides of her family who all helped to fill her heart with pride. But to us, she was our mother.

Frances is survived by her daughter Mary Ellen Rosnok (Michael) and her son Thomas Charles MacInnes (Keri and granddaughters Sophie and Leah, of whom she was very proud). To have grown up surrounded by the love that came from our mother’s heart is a blessing and a treasure that knows no bounds. We have been so incredibly lucky for our whole lives to have had a mother like her.

Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay at 12:00 (noon) on Friday, November 14th, followed by a service at 1 pm and reception afterward. Rev. Dana Feltmate presiding.

In the meantime, if you wish to honour our mother’s legacy, please do so by making a donation to the Cape Breton SPCA or to the Glace Bay General Hospital Foundation (please contact Morah Hemsworth at 902-565-7924). Have a hot cup of tea, spare a kind thought in her memory and always remember that “love can move mountains”.

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

NURSE’S PRAYERS

As I care

for my patients today,

Be there with me,

O Lord, I pray.

Make my words kind

 – It means so much.

And in my hands

Place Your healing touch.

Let Your love shine through all that I do,

So those in need

may hear and feel you.