Irmine Elizabeth MacKenzie
1920-2019
We, the family, announce the
peaceful passing of our mother, Irmine Elizabeth MacKenzie on Friday,
March 8, 2019, at the Maple Hill Manor, New Waterford, at the age of
98. She was formerly from Queen St., Sydney Mines and Margaree
Forks.
Irmine was born April 19, 1920, to Rose and Landry
d’Entremont and raised in the Acadian community of West
Pubnico, Nova Scotia.
Her early working years were spent in the Annapolis Valley,
where she met her life partner and husband, John MacKenzie at the
start of the Second World War. They married in 1946 and had five
children. Irmine lived much of her happily married life in Margaree
Forks, where she was actively involved in the Catholic
Women’s League, the local Wellness Clinic and the Girl
Scouts of Canada. Mom was a great cook and could always be counted on
to contribute a variety of home baked goods to community fundraisers.
Irmine was curious about the world and loved learning. As a young
child in grade five, she won the school spelling bee contest by
beating out schoolmates from the grade 11 class. Irmine was a
voracious reader of local newspapers and books on many subjects, even
into her mid 90’s. She was a skilled card player with a phenomenal
memory that elevated her card game skills. She expressed only one
regret in life and that was related to her economic status, which
prevented her from completing high school and attending university.
Mom had an outgoing personality and a desire to help others in their
time of need. She had a keen sense of fairness and was always a
willing participant in family and community activities. Mom had an
extraordinary dry sense of humor that netted her many smiles and
wonderful life-long friends.
Irmine is survived by her five children, Greg (Lucy), Marg
Beres (Matt), Brendan (Wendy), Betty (Adrian) and Elaine (Derek);
seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and her sister, Denise
Amiro (Sam).
She was predeceased by her husband, John MacKenzie and eight
siblings.
Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to
the incredible Sydney Mines Senior Daycare program that looked after
Irmine’s physical and social needs for over 25 years
following her stroke. She thoroughly enjoyed engaging with their
staff/volunteers and made numerous long-term friendships while
participating in the many activities offered that allowed her to lead
an active life. Our family would also like to thank the staff and many
volunteers at Maple Hill Manor for their compassionate and skilled
care of our mom. Despite her physical disability, she enjoyed a
rewarding quality of life. Special thanks to Lee and Ralph Campbell,
who transported Mom to and from the Maple Hill Manor each Christmas
Day to one of Irmine’s children’s homes for a
festive dinner. Thanks to Will, who introduced Mom to the world of art
at age 96 by helping her paint some memorable landscapes in her
remaining years. She taught all of us you are never too old to be open
to new experiences.
We would like to acknowledge mom’s special
relationship with Dorothy, who tended to her hair at the same time
providing hours of engaging conversation over coffee. Thank you to
Mary and Dennis for your generosity and to Lindsey, who provided
personal care and special meals for Mom when our family was not able
to be present. The kindness and support of the many additional friends
and relatives who enriched our Mom’s life along the way did
not go unnoticed. She loved and appreciated all of you.
Our Mom was a gem and we will miss her presence in our lives
deeply.
Visitation will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on
Thursday, March 21 from 1-2 p.m., followed by a service in the chapel
at 2 p.m., with Rev. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take
place at a later date.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at
www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail
sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Irmine Elizabeth MacKenzie 19202019..
Décès pour la Ville: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia