Carola Gail MacKay
May 20, 1936 – April 20, 2021
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With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Carola (Gail) MacKay nee Kowalski after a short battle with cancer. Mom passed away peacefully on April 20, 2021, with family by her side. Born May 20 1936, Gail was the daughter of the late Charles J and Sarah A (Keddy) Kowalski.
She was predeceased by her loving husband John Richard MacKay, son Charles Rogers; daughter Marlene Malcolm; sisters, Sally Morrison and one in infancy; beloved pet, Thunder.
A large family is left to mourn her passing; Bobby (Jessie) McKay, Springville; Laurel Rogers, Point Tupper; Dawn Delorey (Peter), West Arichat; Vickey Baker, Port Hawkesbury; Sally Stewart (Donald) ,Port Hawkesbury; Gail MacKay (John Carter), Ontario; Mark MacKay, Mulgrave; 21 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; and nephew Christopher (Judy) Morrison, Kingston.
Our mother was a force to be reckoned with and was much loved by family and friends alike. You never knew where she was going to be or what she was going to be doing. She was a tough act to follow.
Mom was very busy throughout her life. She enjoyed travel and went to Ontario every year and was even voted Queen of the Realm at Medieval times and Tournaments in Toronto. Mom was an avid church goer and attended St John’s Anglican Church in Arichat as organist, lay reader, council member and a member of the ACW.
In later years, she attended Holy Trinity in Port Hawkesbury as part time organist, lay minister, sat on church council and brought home communion to shut ins. She worked with the Cub Scouts on Ilse Madame and loved working with the children who called her Bagheera.
Mom took pride in working at Clearwater and driving mail for Diggdon’s Frieght. She loved to drive and did so until she went to the hospital.Mom was an active member in the Evergreen seniors club and enjoyed doing the Breakfast program at TEC where she was fondly known as “the Cheese Lady”. The Red Hatters was another club that she was involved with and had lots of laughs and meals with those fine ladies.
But her real love was music. Mom went to and performed at as many Ceilidhs as possible. Bringing music to The Port Hawkesbury Nursing home for the ‘old people’ with her fellow musicians held a special place in her heart. She became ‘infamous’ for her ugly stick and would play it anywhere, anytime. Her musical talents were always growing and along with her ability to play organ she was learning to play guitar and ukulele and several other instruments. Most of which will be passed on to her youngest son who shares her love and talent for music.
Everyone who knew her probably received a gift of her knitting; something she did nightly. She knitted baby hats, toe socks for casts and finger puppets for the IWK. Many little hands were kept warm by “Nanny Mittens” at SAERC Daycare.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the staff at Strait Richmond Palliative care unit (Dr. Pluta, Dr. Cooper and Dr. DeRoche). Special thanks to Trina and Joy who made her passing so graceful. Much love and appreciation to Royall and Brandy for the homecare.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Greens Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Mom’s wake will take place at Greens Funeral Home, 507 Bernard St., Port Hawkesbury on Sunday April 25 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Social distance protocols will be followed.
Considering Covid restrictions, Graveside service to be held on Monday April 26 at 2:00pm at St John’s Anglican Cemetery, Arichat with Rev. Susan Slater presiding.
Memorial Donations can be made to St John’s Anglican Cemetery fund or to the Charity of your choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Carola Gail MacKay May 20 1936 April 20 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Port-Hawkesbury, Province: Nova Scotia