June Elizabeth MacLeod

Born in Oakland, she was the daughter of the late Mae and Frederick Hamm. Second youngest of 17 children, mom grew up knowing the importance of family and sacrifice. Mom's love for her children was first and foremost, and she spent her entire life nourishing her children, both physically and mentally. Mom took her role as a mother very seriously and never retired from that position. Family was everything to her, and she never stopped worrying about her children. She was an amazing cook, and her desserts will be deeply missed at family gatherings. Mom was the heartbeat of our family, she was the centre of her children's and her grandchildren’s universe. Everyone knew and accepted that mom was a priority. A woman who had made so many sacrifices, who knew unbearable pain, would be cherished, loved, and spoiled until the day she left us. The strength she displayed during her tough times, became our source of inspiration during ours!

Fond memories fill our hearts and our minds. Her sense of humor was amazing, and it is difficult to tell a story or share a memory about her without laughing. She loved a good card game but winning was particularly important to her. Bingo, baking for her family, shopping, and watching a good heartfelt movie or show was among her top things to do. Mom also enjoyed her weekends away at the cottage or campground with her daughters. She was just about game for anything, and it was rare to go into a store without her trying on a silly hat just to get a laugh. Mom’s love for Christmas was so exciting to watch. It was impossible to give her a gift beforehand, as she would unwrap it and then rewrap it again. Always trying to get her children to tell her what the other children bought her. Mom took pride in her appearance and her sense of style was impeccable. Her dress style was so youthful, that her children and grandchildren would on occasion borrow her clothes and shoes. She also enjoyed having her hair and her pedicures done on a routine basis.

While in the hospital last year, she embraced knitting thanks to her daughter Cheryl and spent many hours making scarves and other items for the homeless. She genuinely enjoyed giving to others, and her compassion for the less fortunate was very evident in her daily life. She was a true example of goodness, and all her lessons were taught without her knowledge, but by her example.

Predeceased by her husband Joseph, sons James and Daniel, daughter Debra and grandson Michael. Sisters Kathleen, Catherine, Carrie, Ruth, Thelma, Rose, Doris, Enid, Margaret, Genevieve, brothers Victor, Feldon, Frederick, Carl, and Paul. Cherished mother-in-law Mary.

She is survived by her children Mary (Jim), Kathy (Blair), Cheryl (Ronnie), Joey (Carla), Joyce (Tony), Kim (Keith) and Tanya (Paul). Her grandchildren Jennifer, BJ, Natasha, Jimmy, Brandon, Chelsea, Gabe, Sam, Shelby & Danny. Her great-grandchildren Cameron, Owen, Emma, Delilah, Finley, Paisley, Everly, Scarlett, and Daisy-Rae. Her step-grandchildren Ronnie, Nancy, and Mitchell, her brother Arnold.

A private service will be held on Friday with interment to follow at the Gate of Heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mom's memory to the Salvation Army or Shelter Nova Scotia.

"As you and your siblings stand on this side and say there she goes ... the rest of her family are on the other side saying here she comes." Kathie Tattrie