Obituary of Mary Mackinnon

We are sad to announce the passing of Mary MacKinnon on February 5, 2023, in Windsor, Ontario, at 85 years of age. Born on August 20,1937 to Alexander and Katharine Gillis in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Mary was a loving sister to Molly Haskett (predeceased), Michael Gillis (predeceased), Ray Gillis, and Gerard Gillis (Marnie). Mary completed her nursing degree at St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Glace Bay. Her nursing profession led her to Halifax, where she met her husband, Michael MacKinnon, an ambitious Dalhousie medical student. They married on November 12, 1960, and spent many happy years together. Mary and Dr. Mike MacKinnon moved to LaSalle in 1965, where they had four sons and remained until her passing. Mary was a gifted gourmet chef, seamstress, interior decorator, artist, painter, avid reader, hostess, fashionista, and golfer. Her creativity, love, impeccable style, sense of humour, and delicious culinary creations will be greatly missed. Mary was a spiritual person with a love of life and a strong faith. She was active at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, as a parishioner and a Lector. We are confident that she is now happy and at peace in the presence of her Lord. Mary was a loving mother to Kevin (Joanne), Gerard (Karen), Shawn (Kathy), and Paul (Tracy) – and very proud Nana to grandchildren Michelle (Tim), Lauren (Sanjeev), Alec (Natalie), Julia, Maeghan, Jackson, Max, and Katy. She also leaves behind many beloved extended family members. Mary valued her community of LaSalle, as well as her many wonderful friends both locally and in Sarasota, Florida. Her final days were spent in Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare – Palliative Program surrounded by family, friends and caring staff. A special thanks to Chris and Jennifer McKinnon, Florence MacMillian and Trese MacNeil who faithfully visited Mary, and were a comfort to her family in her final days. Condolences may be left here and a celebration of Mary's life will be held at a later date. In her memory, we kindly ask that donations be made to Transition to Betterness www.t2b.ca