Carmel Marie MacMillan

We wish to announce the passing of Carmel Marie MacMillan (Hannigan) on January 11, 2022 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Carmie was predeceased by her parents Mae (Beaton) and Frank Hannigan. She was also predeceased by Leo, her husband of 62 years.

Carmie is survived by her 4 children Greg (Barbara), Kelly (Richard), Donna (Kevin) and Sherri (Greg). In addition she is survived by her 3 beloved sisters Elizabeth Sharpe, Jessica Boudreau (Arthur) and Kathy Squires (Stewart). Carmie’s brother Frankie predeceased her. She will be forever missed by her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and the many nieces and nephews who loved her so dearly.

Carmie was born on May 1, 1940 one of five children. Carmie spent the majority of her childhood living on the Esplanade in Sydney, but she was always a New Waterford girl at heart! She spied the love of her life at a dance when she was a young teen and was late for curfew more than once as their romance grew. She married her sweetheart when she was just 19 (he was 20) and they began their life together. Soon, baby after baby arrived and life became filled with the joys and challenges of raising a family. Once the youngest was in school Carmie began to pursue her career. She worked in the cash office of Zellers where she sat on the Better Relations Committee, but her real passion was the work she did with the Island Alternative Measures Society and the Youth Peers Program. She loved this work so much that even after retirement she kept going back!

Carmie was an avid camper and we have fond memories of camping in Arichat, playing on the “Back Beach”, camping at Disney and many, many more adventures. She and Leo went on an epic driving trip across Canada and came back with memories to last her lifetime.

She always made sure we were having fun together as a family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren also got to enjoy her sense of fun and love of family. Filled with energy, Grandma always had games to play and adventures to go on. They will all remember Grandma’s “treat drawer”, sleepovers, bonfires, and getting to sneak a cup of tea and a piece of Gma’s apple pie! All the little ones (and big ones) wanted to go to Grandma’s! She loved her siblings and they got together often for fun and foolishness. Our family will NEVER forget the mock wedding and yes, there are pictures!

Eventually, she and Leo retired to their dream home in Grand Mira South. Both she and Leo became active members of St. Margaret’s Parish, and spent many happy years keeping horses, gardens, orchards and throwing legendary weekend long family parties. But most of all she loved her beloved Shepards! Carmie was quite a dancer, and it brought the family great joy to watch her and Leo jive and swing, putting the younger generation to shame! Friday nights were reserved for darts, and although she didn’t rate high in the stats, the fun level was off the charts.

One of her most favourite activities was quilting with the “girls” at St. Margarets. She considered all of the women close friends and looked forward every week to the laughs and storytelling. We have all received quilted gifts of love which will be treasured all the more now.

Carmie and Leo were married for 62 years before Leo quietly passed in Oct. 2021. They were always together, and now they are together again.

A celebration of Carmie’s amazing life will be held on January 17/2022 at St. Margaret’s Parish, Grand Mira South at 11:00AM. Due to COVID restrictions funeral capacity is limited to 25 people, and there will be no reception. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com

***Due to NO internet at church, we will be recording the service and uploading to Facebook this afternoon. - We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.