MacKeen, Jean Elizabeth – 94,
Guysborough, passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the R.K.
MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish.
Born in Lower Manchester, Guysborough County on December 23,
1926, Jean was the fifth child and only daughter of the late James and
Annie (Clancy) Luddington.
After completing her schooling at the Lower Manchester
School, Jean worked in Halifax, the Red Cross Hospital in Guysborough,
and Hamilton Ontario until 1953 when she married Charles MacKeen. They
lived in Guysborough and Hubbardston, Massachusetts, where Jean worked
as a Nurse’s Aid. They both retired in 1981 and returned to
Guysborough.
A woman of strong faith, Jean dedicated her time to many
charitable and church activities to help her community. Her work was
recognized by receiving the Canada 125 Medal from the Lieutenant
Governor of Nova Scotia in 1992.
Jean loved flowers, and was a founding member of Guysborough
and Area Garden Club. Her overflowing window boxes on Main Street were
well known. She said the secret of her floral success was talking to
the flowers and coaxing out their beauty.
Jean was devoted to, and a fierce advocate for, her family.
She is survived by her sons, Douglas (Carmel) and Bruce (Angela), and
son-in-law, John Nicholson. She is also survived and fondly remembered
by her cherished grandchildren: Megan, Brittany, Kaylie, Spencer,
Rebecca and Caroline, with whom she shared many a snack, cuddle, and
game of “Snakes and Ladders”.
She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Charles, and
her beloved daughter, Marilyn. She was also predeceased by brothers,
James, Earl, Ralph, Bert, Kenneth and Lloyd.
She is also survived by her brother, Bob, and many nieces and
nephews.
Jean was strong and proud. In the words of the poet Dylan
Thomas, she did not go gentle into that goodnight. She raged against
the dying of the light. Her strength, faith, humour and compassion
were an inspiration to all who knew her.
The MacKeen family would like to thank the staff, nurses and
doctors at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home where Jean spent the last
10 months of her life. The compassionate and dedicated care shown to
Jean and her family was appreciated.
The Funeral Service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday,
November 13 at Guysborough United Baptist Church, with Pastor Clara
Jordan officiating. Burial will follow at the Evergreen
Cemetery.
Please have your vaccination card ready and with you
when you are arriving for the funeral service. If you are exempt from
having a vaccine, you will need to show proof from either a Doctor or
Nurse Practitioner. Face masks and coverings are still
required.
Donations in memory of Jean may be made to Guysborough
Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dennis Haverstock
Funeral Home, Guysborough. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the
family at: www.haverstocks.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Elizabeth MacKeen 1926 2021..
Dennis Haverstocks funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: Guysborough, Province: Nova Scotia