It is with deep sadness that the family of Jean Ella MacKenzie, 87, of Christmas Island, N.S., announces her passing after a brief illness at the Northside Transitional Unit in North Sydney, October 28, 2019. Jean grew up in Halifax, and attended Nova Scotia Teachers College, and taught for many years in Corner Brook, N.L., and Christmas Island, Boisdale and Iona, N.S. She had a passion for teaching, and spoke fondly of her many past students. She was a longtime member of the Christmas Island Ladies' Auxiliary and a faithful member of St. Barra's Church Choir. She was also in the first graduating class of the University College of Cape Breton. She was a kind and generous mother and grandmother, who loved to cook and spend time with family. She also enjoyed reading, painting and crafts. She was a wise and sympathetic listener, and often spent long hours counselling friends and family. She is survived by her sister, Rita Kelly of Timberlea, five children, Betty of Bay Roberts, N.L., Heather (Brian) of Calgary, Leonard of Timmins, Paul (Wendy) of Sydney and Peter (Christine) of Smith's Falls, and grandchildren, Megan, Ryan, Stephen, Alicia, Sarah, Jordan, Calum, Logan and Eric, as well as many nieces and nephews and a large circle of friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael B., in 2003. Visitation will be held at the Christmas Island Fire Hall on November 11, from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Funeral service will be held at St. Andrew’s Church in Boisdale on November 12 at 11am, with burial to follow in the Christmas Island cemetery, A reception will be held at the Christmas Island Fire Hall after the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Diabetes Society.
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