Obituary of Mary Margaret MacLean

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Margaret (MacKinnon) MacLean, 71, on December 14, 2004 at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Ainslie Glen, she was the daughter of the late Neil & Tena Belle(MacDonald)MacKinnon. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Malcolm; daughters, Heather MacKinnon, Sydney; Marilyn(Leo Murphy), Lower Sackville; Anne Marie(Frank Goswell), Whycocomagh; and Jaye (Cecil Morrison), Blues Mills; sons, Ian, at home; Timmy, Dartmouth; and daughter-in-law, Michelle, Cole Harbour, brother Lauchie(Jessie), Hamilton, Ont. Grandchildren, Logan, Morgan, Stacey, Jessica, Kyle and Drew, numerous nieces, nephews, sister in-laws, brother in-laws, cousins and many friends. She was predeceased by her son Allan, sisters Archena, Molly(in infancy) and brothers Dan H. and Neil D. Upon completion of Provincial Normal College in Truro, Mary Margaret went on to teach in several local schools in Inverness County, including Valley Mills, West Lake Ainslie, Stewartdale, South Lake Ainslie and Roseburn, retiring from Whycocomagh Consolidated School in 1985. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education Degrees from St. Francis Xavier University in 1981. Mary Margaret's devotion to God was reflected in her involvement and dedication in all aspects of church life. She was member, Elder and long time choir member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Whycocomagh. She served as President of the Women's Missionary Society and the Atlantic Missionary Society at St. Andrew's for many years. She was also a very active member of St. Andrew's Board of Managers and Ways and Means Committee. Mary Margaret served as Corresponding and Supply Secretary of the Cape Breton Presbyterial- Atlantic Mission Society, a member of several Cape Breton Presbytery Committees and a member of the Rural Ministries Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Canada. Mary Margaret was a very active community member, belonging to numerous community groups and always willing to help others who needed assistance, in whatever way she could. She served as Municipal Councillor for the District of Whycocomagh-Ainslie from 1984 to 1994. As Councillor, she was a driving force for the development and completion of the Whycocomagh Water & Sewer Project. She also served on several municipal government committees. She was a very active member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia, a Board member and volunteer of the Central Inverness Palliative Care Society, a Board member of the Eastern Counties Regional Library, the Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary, the Whycocomagh Development Commission, the Retired Teacher's Association, the Bras d'Or Watershed Committee and the Whycocomagh Home and School Association. Mary Margaret served as returning officer for Cape Breton Highlands-Canso for two Federal elections. The Gaelic language and culture was a very important part of Mary Margaret's life. From teaching young children to speak the language, to singing Gaelic at local events, to her involvement as a Board Member of the Highland Village Society, Iona, Mary Margaret did her best to see that the Gaelic language and culture was preserved. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7pm - 9pm and Thursday from 2pm - 9pm at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Whycocomagh. Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 17, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Whycocomagh, with the Rev. Ronald Sharpe officiating. Burial at Stewartdale Cemetery. Memorials donations may be made to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or a charity of choice. Mary Margaret's accomplishments as a wife, mother, grandmother, friend and devoted community member will be proudly remembered by her family and friends. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com. 'Is luachmhor ann an sealladh an Tighearna bas a naomh' salm cxVI:15