It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Rita MacNamara, known to most as Nanny Mac, on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with her loving family by her side.
Born in New Waterford on September 26, 1925, Rita was the daughter of Peter and Annie MacPherson. After the untimely passing of her mother, Rita, along with her twin sister Annie, were raised by the MacNeils of Big Beach.
‘Rita’s Kitchen’ never closed and there was always a seat at the table for a serving of Nanny Mac’s famous turkey soup and tea biscuits. She lived for the daily visits from her family, friends, and close neighbors. She loved Christmas and the fuss about her birthday each year, but what she loved even more was celebrating the birthdays and occasions of her loved ones. Nanny Mac was happiest when she was able to help others. She lived much of her life without, making sure her family had everything they needed.
She had a love for word searches, reading the newspaper, dancing, and bingo. Nothing made Nanny Mac prouder than watching her children raise her grandchildren, and her grandchildren making her a big part of the lives they built. She was their biggest fan and supporter. In her earlier days, she was their cherished babysitter who hosted the best sleepovers on Central St.; in most recent years, their idolized mentor and friend. She instilled in us all the importance of family.
Nanny Mac will be dearly missed by her four children, John (Betty) MacNamara, Dolly Mills, Clare (Jimmy) Patterson, and Clarence (Evelyn) MacNamara; eight grandchildren, Rob, Shauna, Kevin, Michelle, Michael, Steven, Bradley and Mark; and ten great-grandchildren, Jacob, Ryan, Joel, Aimee, Jeremy, Lilly, David, Dylan, Stratford and Jack.
She is survived by her beloved sisters, Ellen MacMillan, Mary Pepper and her twin; Annie T MacNeil, sisters-in-law Maureen Linden and Jenny McNamara, and brothers-in-law Gigi Bonaparte and Tommy McNamara.
Besides her parents, Nanny Mac was predeceased by her husband Johnnie, son-in-law Gibby Mills, her MacPherson and MacNeil siblings, and her McNamara in-laws.
By request, there will be no visitation. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 27 at 10 am at TW Curry Parkview Chapel with Fr. Dennis Lamey officiating. Masks and proof of vaccination are required to attend the service. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed through TW Curry’s Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the local SPCA.
To leave condolences for the family or to view livestream please visit www.twcurry.com
