It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Cassie MacDonell, aged 82. Cassie passed away peacefully on Monday August 19,2019 with her loving family by her side. Born in Glencoe Mills on October 17th 1936, Cassie was a daughter of the late Katie Ann (Campbell) and Alex Angus MacDonald.
Cassie was a kind and generous woman with a warm smile and beautiful heart. In her early years, Cassie did live-in childcare and cooking for many families from the Brook Village, Glendale, Port Hawkesbury and Mabou areas. Cassie then worked at Saint Theresa’s Convent in Sydney where she cooked and baked many feasts for the sisters at the residence.
Cassie’s life was devoted to serving others; throughout her life Cassie cared selflessly for many family members including her ailing father and mother-in-law, mother, sister Mary Ann, and in his final years, her husband Collie.
Cassie was well known for her delicious baking, and those who came to the house never went hungry when she made “tea” for them. There were always delectable sweets of all kinds, and her rolls were second to none.
Cassie lived for card games and regularly played Auction in Port Hood and Judique. She hosted card games at home and would play until the wee hours of the morning with her close friends and family who will miss her laughter, smile and “lunches”.
She loved to play a good joke on her family, friends and grandchildren; her sense of humour, love of life, family and friends will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
On their frequent trips to the shopping mall, while Collie sat on the bench, Cassie passed the time both shopping and window shopping, and there was always a stop at KFC or A&W!
A woman of extremely deep faith and religious beliefs, Cassie was a member of St. Peter’s Parish CWL. In addition, she faithfully served the church and carried out Sanctuary duties by caring for the Alter Linens in her quiet, unassuming manner. Cassie prayed the Rosary numerous times throughout the day and taught her family and grandchildren to value this beautiful prayer, which she continued to say regularly right up until her final days.
Cassie was predeceased by her husband, Colin A. MacDonell “Little Collie”; her brothers Donald, John Dan and Francis; sister Mary Ann; special cousin Isabelle Campbell; and nephews Dwayne Beaton and Glen MacDonald.
Cassie leaves behind a family who deeply loved and cherished her. She is survived by her daughters Colleen O’Connor (Glen) of Port Hood, and Lisa Taylor (Shawn) of Lower Sackville; sisters Annie Mae MacDonald (Donnie) of Port Hood, Jessie Beaton (late Angus) of Mabou; sisters-in-law Marion MacLeod (Malcolm) of Mabou Ridge, Annie Mae MacDonell of Port Hood; grandchildren, who she loved dearly, Christina, Andrew, Mitchell and Donell of Port Hood, and Jacob and Lily, Lower Sackville; several nieces and nephews; as well as many dear friends.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Egar, Dr. Ritter and the staff of ICMH, Home Support, Home Care and Palliative Care for their tremendous care and support, as well as the much appreciated comfort and assistance provided to Cassie from friends, family and neighbours. We would particularly like to acknowledge the incredibly dedicated care and unconditional compassion provided by Lori Ann MacDonald, Palliative Care Co-Ordinator.
Visitation will be held at Port Hood Funeral Home on Thursday, August 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 23 in St. Peter’s Parish Church, Port Hood with Fr. Vincent vanZutphen officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Cassie’s memory to the St. Peter’s Parish Cemetery Fund, Port Hood, or Central Inverness Palliative Care.
Online condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com
