Andrea was born in Parrsboro, NS to the late Allan J. and Anne Marie (nee Gillespie) MacEachern. Andrea attended school in Parrsboro until moving with her family to Port Hawkesbury in 1972. A graduate of SAERC High School in Port Hawkesbury, Andrea attended the NSCC-Strait Campus (CRVS), and joined the Royal Bank (RBC) upon graduating. Her RBC family was very important to her, and she had fond memories of her time working at the Portland Street and Quinpool/Oxford branches, Atlantic Headquarters, Atlantic Processing Centre, and throughout Atlantic Canada and Toronto, as well as the many clients she befriended.
From a young age Andrea’s kindness shone through. As the second born of five children Andrea quite often looked after her youngest siblings, and later in life, looked out for them. Fitting perhaps that within the family from an early age she was known as “Sissy,” later shortened to “Sis.” Advice, support (financial and otherwise), an encouraging word or a hilarious joke, phone call or daily email check-in were all things that we could count on, and something that helped keep our family close.
Both through RBC’s Day of Service and in her personal life Andrea became an active volunteer, supporting events like the IWK Kermesse Fun Fair, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, Shelter Nova Scotia, the IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship, WE Day and the Bedford Hospice, and as a regular blood donor. However, following her diagnosis with ovarian cancer in 2014 Andrea became enthusiastically involved with Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Walk of Hope. Andrea was incredibly proud and grateful for her friends, colleagues and in particular RBC’s support of her efforts, which saw over $25,000 raised between 2014 and 2019. For all of those that marched with Andrea and supported her efforts, a sincere thank you.
Though facing adversity because of her diagnosis, Andrea continued to be a loving and supportive friend. In turn, she was supported by a phenomenal group of friends who assisted with doctor and chemo appointments. And although Andrea was in the process of travelling much of the world, a weekend with the “Pictou Peeps” with the destination of Pictou County or Port Hood held much appeal and many warm memories.
Besides her parents, Andrea was predeceased by our beloved brother Ian, in 1984.
Andrea is survived by her sister Sheilagh Edmonds (Ray) Falls Lake, NS; brother Greg, Ottawa, ON; and brother Stephen (Anna), Oshawa ON. Andrea had held many titles, but her favorite was “Auntie” to Stephen’s daughters Myah and Ellagh.
In lieu of flowers Andrea would ask you to consider a donation to Ovarian Cancer Canada, or the St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery Fund (Port Hawkesbury, NS). But what she would like most for you is to be kind. Be kind to others, but especially be kind to yourself. And she suggested that you take a Saturday afternoon, meet up with a group of friends, take in some live music, and raise a glass and smile.
“Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead;
don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow;
just walk beside me and be my friend.”
- Albert Camus
***
Funeral service will be held Monday October 28th 2019 at 10:30am at Saint Benedict Parish, 45 Radcliff Drive, Clayton Park Halifax with Father Mike Grace officiating. No visitation. Celebration of Life reception at Ela Restaurant, Bayers Lake (215 Chain Lake Drive) from 4 to 6pm on Monday October 28th 2019. Interment at a later date.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18