Mary was born on December 17, 1946 to the late Archie Alex and Jessie Belle MacDonell.
She spent her childhood years at the homestead in Glencoe Station where she developed a lifetime bond with her three sisters and two brothers. At the age of 19, she began working at the bank in Port Hood where she was a loyal and devoted employee for the next 35 years. It was during this time she became affectionately known as Mary at the Royal.
In 1976, she married Johnnie and settled in Little Judique. Through determination, sacrifices, and her faith, she raised her family as a loving mother and wife.
Mom found joy spending time with family, playing bingo or cards, her daily walks with friends, maintaining her home and garden, or by pulling out her terrific impersonations. However, her greatest pleasure was when her grandchildren were born which led to many trips to Hamilton.
For the last several years, Mom lived in the Highlands Villa at the Inverary Manor. It was here where she added a new family comprised of the tremendous staff who adopted Mom as one of their own.
Anyone who had an encounter with Mom recognized her sincerity, kindness, and compassion. Our family is proud of the moral life she lived and have been blessed to have had her in our lives.
Mary is survived by her son, Robert; daughter, Jana (Dane Rowsell), her grandchildren, Eli and Madelyn; sisters, Annie, Jessie Mae, and Jenny; as well her in-laws, Charlie and Clare MacDonald, Finley Beaton, and Geoffrine MacIntyre.
She was predeceased by her husband, John; her brothers, Alex Duncan and Gerard; in-laws, John R. Gillis, Tommy Batherson, Anna MacDonald, and Josie Beaton.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 14th at the Port Hood and Area Resting Place from 4-8 pm. Funeral mass will be held at St.Andrew’s Parish Church, Judique on Monday, January 15th at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lung NSPEI or charity of choice.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
