Glace Bay
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Rachel (Rae) MacKillop 87, on March 22, 2024. Born in Port Morien, she was the daughter of the late Ewen and Annie (Robinson)MacKenzie, Mira Gut. Rae was predeceased by her husband James Garfield (Gary) MacKillop, infant daughter Shirley Kim and sister Shirley (MacKenzie) Ward. Rae is survived by her children Cathie Caldwell, Dartmouth, Ron (Sharon) MacKillop, Glace Bay, and John (Gail) MacKillop, Pickering; sister Marilyn(MacKenzie) Hilborn Welland, Ontario.
Nana will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Amy, Kate, Bradley, Heather, Bree and Matthew and great grandchildren, James, Mackenzie Rae, Henry, Anna Lynn and Liam.
Rae graduated from nursing at the Glace Bay General Hospital in 1957. She was very proud to be an RN and worked in many different areas of her profession over the years. Upon her retirement she was an active member of the Glace Bay General Hospital alumni association. She was a member of the Jubilee Rebekah Lodge #14 and served in many roles over the years from secretary to Past Noble Grand. Mom had a long history of helping others through her volunteer work. She volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society for over thirty years and received an award for Outstanding Service. She was president of the Glace Bay Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society for 10 years. She received an award from the province of Nova Scotia for Volunteer of the Year in 2003.
Mom was an avid bowler and organized many charity tournaments for the Boys and Girls Club.
Mom loved music and was a wonderful piano player. She was a member of the Hospice Harmonies and enjoyed her time with the group these past few months. It was the highlight of her week.
Mom was always happiest in her beloved Mira sitting quietly on the deck watching the moon come up over the bay or entertaining family and friends. She packed a great picnic lunch and she was a champion lobster eater.
The family would like to thank Dr. D’Intino and the staff at Cape Breton Hospice for their exemplary care of our mom.
We would also like to thank the staff at An Cala Cape Breton Regional Hospital for all their support and care.
Visitation will be held at Pattens Funeral Home on Thursday, April 4 from 2-4 and 7-9.
Funeral Service will be held at Pattens Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, April 5 at 11:00.
Burial to follow at Black Brook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County, the Canadian Cancer Society, or charity of your choice. To share a memory of condolence with the family or to attend live stream service please go to www.pattenfuneral.com
