Lisa Rebecca (Kierstead) McCully
1971-2020
Lisa Rebecca (Kierstead) McCully (Bachelor of Arts,
Master of Education, Master of Administration) – 49,
Portapique. It is with unspeakable grief that we announce the death of
Lisa on Saturday, April 18, 2020, due to a senseless act of violence
in Portapique.
In her earlier years, Lisa excelled in ballet and piano,
teaching small children piano during High School. Her natural
leadership qualities shone through her lead parts in High School
musicals and the role of Student Council President. Her adventurous
spirit led her to Guatemala in her grade 11 year, where she lived high
in the mountains with an indigenous family. Her third year of
university was spent in Strasbourg, France for total immersion, and
backpacking around Europe with her mother before returning to Canada.
Lisa earned a degree in Arts and Languages from Mount Allison,
effortlessly becoming fluent in French, Spanish and English. She truly
had the gift of gab.
With a degree under her belt, Lisa and her sister, Jenny,
drove across Canada to Vancouver, where they each found teaching
positions. During that time, Lisa joined “The Big
Ride” to raise money for lung disease, cycling from Seattle
to Boston.
After ten years out west, she returned east to be closer to
family and began teaching in Nova Scotia. She married Stuart McCully
and they had two stellar children. Eventually becoming the
primary caregiver of the children, Lisa settled in beautiful
Portapique, where she and the kids thrived by their ocean playground.
Lisa had an infectious personality with a ready sense of humour. She
lived life 200% and was the life of every party. A gifted educator,
Lisa was always teaching and constantly had creative pursuits on the
go, whether it was baking bread, harvesting mushrooms or playing
music. To know Lisa was to know life in full color.
Lisa was predeceased by her beloved brother, Jonathan
Kierstead. She leaves behind two precious children; sister, Jenny
(Blair Abbass), Halifax; mother, Emily Kierstead (Don Murray), Truro;
father, John Kierstead, Quispamsis, New Brunswick; uncle David Cosman,
Mahone Bay. She was very close to her sister-in-law, Gail, whom we
thank for her strength and support through this horrific
time.
Lisa’s family expresses their profound appreciation
to the members of the R.C.M.P who responded to the horrific situation,
for gently protecting the children and also to the anonymous 911
person who stayed on the phone with them for two hours.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Due to Covid-19
restrictions, a private funeral service will be held 3 p.m., Sunday,
April 26, 2020, Reverend Glenn MacLean officiating. Webcasting of the
funeral service will be available and will begin at 2:55 p.m., Sunday.
If so desired, donations may be made to Debert Elementary School,
Truro Youth Choir or West Colchester Minor Hockey Association. Private
messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Lisa’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A
Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
“The Human Spirit is stronger than
anything that can happen to it.” CC Scott
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lisa Rebecca Kierstead McCully 19712020..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia
To Emily —and to John—and to all of the family—our condolences and our love go out to you—there are no words to express the deep caring we hold for you in our hearts —today and in the days to come.
My deepest sympathies for the loss you have suffered. Know that God is with you. My prayers for healing of all.
My heart goes out to you Emily and John and families at this time of sadness and sorrow at the loss of your beautiful daughter Lisa.?God Bless you all….Marilyn Craft, Rothesay, N.B.