Mary Anne Knight-Frey, age 101 years, passed away peacefully February 2, 2019 in Inverary Manor, Inverness, just 26 days shy of her 102nd birthday. Born in Glace Bay on February 28, 1917, she was a daughter of the late Mary Belle (MacKenzie) and James Knight. At the age of three years, her mother died, and she and her five year old sister were placed in foster care. She was raised by a family in South West Margaree. In her late 20s, Mary found her sister and they remained very close until her sister's passing.
Mary worked most of her life in New York and Boston as a nurses’ aide and as head steward for several prestigious families. She returned to Inverness to care for her ailing foster brother, Donald, whom she adored. After his passing, Mary stayed in Inverness and worked at the Inverness Hospital in the dietary department for several years.
In her later years, she married Reinhold Frey “Ronnie”. They settled in Antigonish, where they made many life-long friends. They enjoyed travelling, took many cruises, and spent every winter in Florida. After Ronnie’s death, Mary eventually returned to Inverness, where she lived until her passing.
Mary was a smart and classy lady who loved nice things, especially nice cars. She had a quick wit--one that could be cutting at times--but that
was part of her enduring charm, right to the very end. One of her favorite pastimes was going to the Casino, where she hit the jackpot more than once.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Mary Belle (MacKenzie) and James Knight; husband, Reinhold “Ronnie” Frey; sister, Helen; niece, Jean; foster mother, Cassie MacDonnell; and foster brother, Donald F. MacDonnell. Also predeceased by her beloved cat, Nala. She is survived by her nephew, Francis Frey and his wife Helen, and their three children, in Plainville, Massachusetts. She will be forever missed by her "best buddy," Emma Lee MacDonald, and good friends, Bill and Rita Dinn, and Jim MacCormack, Antigonish; members of her Thompson Street family who were always there for her.
Many thanks to the staff of the Inverary Manor for their excellent care and kindness to Mary over the past 10 years. Donations may be made to the Inverary Manor or a charity of choice. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday February 21st in Inverness Funeral Home from 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. in Stella Maris Parish Church, Inverness with Father Dan MacDonald officiating. Burial to follow in St. Joseph's Parish Cemetery, Southwest Margaree.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
