Purcell, Mary, April 29,
1943 – December 30, 2022, Marydale, Antigonish
County
It is with
great sadness that the family of Mary Kathleen (MacDonald) Purcell
announce her passing in Antigonish, Nova Scotia on Friday, December
30, 2022 at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home. Raised in Marydale,
Antigonish County, Nova Scotia, Mary was born on April 29, 1943 and
was a daughter of the late Daniel Alexander MacDonald and Janet Agnes
(Cameron) MacDonald.
Mary
attended Nova Scotia Normal College (subsequently renamed the Nova
Scotia Teachers College) where she studied to become a teacher,
graduating in 1961. Mary then pursued additional studies in education
at St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia with
graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education
degree in 1977. Mary was a kind and devoted teacher to many students
during her 34 year career at St. Andrews Consolidated School, St.
Andrews, Nova Scotia. Mary was also a faithful member of St.
Andrew’s Catholic Church, and she was an active participant
in the St. Andrew’s Parish Council and CWL. She also served
on the St. Andrew’s Fire Department Board of
Directors.
In addition
to her love of her Church, her students, her community, and yes, the
Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team, Mary’s greatest love was
for her family. Mary always shared a sincere interest and concern for
each and every member of her family and she was able to make each
person feel special in her own selfless and humble way. She was such a
kind and generous person with tremendous faith, and her prayers were
powerful and comforting for everyone who was blessed to be included in
them. She was a good and faithful servant to God throughout her entire
life, and all who knew Mary were richer for having her in their lives.
No doubt Mary will continue to support and guide all of those who
treasured her in life and in death, and from heaven she will remain
one of the most beautiful influences in our lives. She will be dearly
missed by so many.
Mary’s incredible faith meant that she had
no fear of dying, and she found great comfort and peace knowing that
she would eventually experience a wonderful “family reunion”
in heaven among all whom she loved who passed on before
her.
Mary is
survived by one brother, Francis Alexander MacDonald, of Saint John,
New Brunswick, two sisters-in-law, Cordis MacDonald and Margaret Rose
Robbins, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews who were all dear
to her heart. She also leaves behind three “fur babies” whom
she also held close to her heart: her two cats, “Blackie”
and “Pebbles”, and a very special dog, “Fiona”,
who was a close companion to Mary at the nursing home, especially in
the days prior to Mary’s
passing.
Mary is
predeceased by her husband, Joe Purcell, and one sister, Catherine
(MacDonald) Bowman. Mary is also predeceased by four brothers, John L.
MacDonald, Dan J. MacDonald, Angus MacDonald, and John D.
(“Johnny”) MacDonald, all from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Mary
is also predeceased by four nephews, Daniel A. MacDonald, Matthew
MacDonald, Terry MacDonald, and Kenny MacDonald, and two nieces, Mary
Theresa (MacDonald) Gillis and Angela
Cameron.
In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made to St. Andrew’s Catholic
Church Cemetery, St. Andrew’s Church Social Action, the
Antigonish Food Bank, or to a charity of the donor’s
choice.
Arrangements
are under the care of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street,
Antigonish, Nova Scotia, with visitation on Monday, January 2, 2023
from 2:00pm-4:00pm and from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial
will take place on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 11:00am at St.
Andrew’s Catholic Church in St. Andrew’s, Nova
Scotia. Interment will take place at a later date. Online condolences:
www.clcurry.com.
1943 2022
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Purcell 1943 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Antigonish, Province: Nova Scotia