Obituary of Mary Carmella Miller

Mary’s daughters regret to announce the passing of their mother, at St Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish on June 11, 2015, at age 94. Born May 2, 1921, in St Joseph’s Hospital, Glace Bay NS, Mary was the only daughter of five children born to the late Michael and MaryBelle (Pembroke) Gates. Predeceased by both parents at a very young age, Mary came to St Andrews, Antigonish County to live with the late Catherine (MacIntosh) MacGillivary, her foster mother with whom she had a very special bond. Following completion of school in St. Andrews, Mary entered a laboratory technology course at Bethany Convent/St Martha’s Hospital where she worked in the lab during wartime. Here, she was able to recount a myriad of interesting stories and adventures with the people she met as well with those friendships maintained from long lasting grade school friends, particularly Mary Catherine Long. But when it came to her lab role, Mary was considered very skilled and respected by her colleagues. Mary was married on July 1, 1945 to Harold M. Miller at St Andrews Church. Harold and Mary moved to Antigonish town in 1960, where they lived the reminder of their married life. She became part of the community of the strong Brookland St. women, who all raised their families together in wonderful harmony in the 60’s and 70’s. Her back door was a revolving door, from her children’s friends, neighbours and weekly visitors, providing wonderful conversation and meals. She became the first Mom on her street to get her driver’s licence, toting countless children and teenagers to beaches, fishing, guides, summer job commutes and evening events. An avid gardener, Mary grew many beautiful flowers, along with her infamous community rhubarb patch. She was a prized cook and baker, of which she provided many wedding and anniversary cakes to friends and family as gifts. In the late 60’s she returned to work at St. FXU library, where she loved many frontline encounters with students. She also volunteered with Martha-in-the Home. In her later years, she and Harold enjoyed socializing at Club 60 and spending time with their grandchildren. Mary was a devout Catholic. Her faith was extremely important to her and her rosary was never far from her side. She was a parishioner of Saint Ninian’s Cathedral and the CWL for over 55 years. Although Mary lived most of her life in Antigonish, she did not leave behind her Cape Breton spirit, strength and genero sity, it flowed through her veins as thick as the coal dust from her heritage. She was a confidante and supporter of all in need with her countless acts of kindness and positivity. An avid animal lover, Mary was continuously surrounded by a menagerie of farm animals and pets from her early life in St. Andrews to her later years on Brookland Street. She was one of a kind and the real deal of what the human condition should emulate. Mary is survived by her daughter’s Joan (Barry) Colbourne, Darlene (James) Miller-Cash; grandchildren Meghan Cash and Wayne (Carmela) Miller; sister-in-law Nell Spicer; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Harold; son, Harold Wayne; brothers Michael, Jim, Jack and Fred; foster siblings Anna (Peter) MacDonald, Sister Remigius MacGillivary, CSM and Fred Bishop. Mary’s family would like to thank Francis MacDougall for her kindness and friendship bestowed to Mary and the wonderful staff of the VON and Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital for all of the care provided over the last number of months. Vistiation will be held at 2-4 and 7-9 pm Sunday in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish Funeral Mass 11am Monday in St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Rev Andrew Boyd presiding, followed by internment in Saint Ninian’s Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to Saint Ninian’s Cathedral or a charity of your choice.