Marybelle Fontaine 95, It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we the family announce the peaceful passing of our mother, our nanny, our grand nanny, and our great-grand nanny, Marybelle Fontaine on August 11,2020.
Marybelle was surrounded by her loving family and the loving caring staff of Harbour Lights Villa in Inverary Manor where she has resided since November 2019.
Marybelle was born in Mull River, Inverness County on September 18,1924, to Margaret (Nee Gillis) and Ronald Allen (the Baron) Mac Donald.
Marybelle is survived by her daughter, Margie (Brian); son, John R. (Wilma); grandchildren, Bradley Layes (Carla), Todd Moffatt (Carol), Melanie Robinson (John), Jamie Fontaine and Jonathan Anderson, who she considered as a grandson; great-grandchildren, Scott and Rebecca Layes, Jessica and Brinna Moffatt, Avery and Savannah Robinson; great-great -grandchildren, Sydney and Donnie; sister, Helena; brother, Archie; special friends, Mary Anderson, Cecil Mac Quarrie, Catherine White and Isabel Mac Donald.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, James Bernard (Johnny) Fontaine (1970); infant daughter, Bernadette; sisters, Margaret and Elizabeth; brothers, John Allen, Joe, Alexander, and John.
Mom had a deep devotion to her faith, the holy mass, and the rosary. One of the highlights in her life was her trip to St Anne de beaupre shrine with her brother Alex and sister Elizabeth.
Mom had a great love for music. She grew up listening to her father playing the fiddle and carried the love of the fiddle with her through out her life. She was also a faithful listener to Scottish strings on CJFX over the years. She had a deep love for listening and singing country music even more. She never gave up an opportunity to sing a song when asked.
Mom was very welcoming to friends dropping by for a visit and always enjoyed the company. No one ever left without a good cup of tea, and samples of her delicious pies, biscuits, squares, etc.
Over the year’s mom became known for her cooking skills. She worked as a cook for the Brothers of our lady of Sorrows in Mabou and from there she was the cook at the drive-in restaurant in Mabou where she became known for her tasty hamburgers. People will still mention to us the “good” burgers she made. When the drive in closed she managed the Strathlorne Lodge and when it was sold, she went to work as a cook at the Inverness Lodge for many years. Later in her life she became a nanny to several young children. She loved every minute with the children and they all held a special place in her heart.
Funeral Services are under the direction of Inverness Funeral Home.
A Memorial Mass will take place Saturday, September 18th, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Stella Maris Church, Inverness with Father Dan MacDonald officiating.
Those wishing to donate in mom’s memory can do so to the Inverary Manor, or the Stella Maris Cemetery Fund.
At this time, we would like to thank the staff of Inverary Manor, with special thanks to Harbour Lights Villa, who made mom’s days so enjoyable. She enjoyed her time with you all.
Thank you also to the Inverness County Home Support. She looked forward to seeing you each and every week and spoke fondly of you all. We would also like to thank Mary Anderson NP for her friendship and excellent care she provided for Mom over the years, and to Dr. Susie Eager, and Dr. Michelle O’Neil for the comforting and compassionate care provided to Mom.
Mom will be forever loved. RIP Mom until we meet again.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
