Obituary of Patricia Maureen Rankin

With great sadness we announce the loss of our wonderful sister, aunt, and friend, Maureen, age 69. She passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, surrounded by the love and light of her family. Born October 4, 1947 in Antigonish, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Patricia (Donovan) Rankin. The eldest of ten, Maureen’s imagination, creativity and fun-loving nature kept her siblings busy as they spent their childhood days exploring the marvelous world of the "East End". Throughout her life she was a mentor, a referee, and a superb organizer for her cherished family members, inspiring them to pursue their own life plans while offering her constant guidance, love and support. Her listening ear, strong faith and distinct, enthusiastic laugh have seen all of us through both good days and bad. A natural teacher, Maureen completed her studies at the Nova Scotia Teachers College in Truro in 1968. Her subsequent career in education spanned more than 30 years, primarily in the Valley, where she taught at Horton High School and later at Evangeline Middle School. She was a dedicated coach of basketball, soccer and track, and proudly led the Horton High senior girls’ basketball team to their first provincial title. On the court and in the classroom, Maureen was known and respected for her unfailing compassion, wit and wisdom. Even in retirement she provided ‘pro bono’ math tutoring to many young students in need of extra help. Maureen was an avid bowler and over the years attended numerous provincial tournaments with her league. She was also a former member of the Ken-Wo Golf Course in New Minas. She had a wide network of dear friends and former colleagues whom she cared for deeply. Many of these friendships were formed during her years at NSTC. Her stories and memories of this time and of the ‘weekend adventures’ in the years after brought much joy to Maureen’s life. She also found special delight in time spent with children, particularly her grandnieces and grandnephews. Maureen is survived by her siblings, Theresa Hare, Mike (Anne) Rankin, John (Mary Florence) Rankin, Sharon (Chriss Robinson) Rankin, Margie (Barry) Wiszniowski, Kathy (Denys) Prevost, Larry Rankin, and Kim (Pat) Mason; her sister-in-law Allison Rankin; and her 15 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and infant brother, John Neil, and brother-in-law, Darrell Hare. Visitation at MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday, February 20 and 11 a.m. until time of funeral Tuesday, February 21. Funeral Mass 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at St. Ninian’s Cathedral with Rev. Joseph MacKenzie presiding. Cremation has taken place with burial to follow in the parish cemetery at a later date. Family flowers only, please. Memorial donations may be made to the Naomi Society or the Antigonish Food Bank.