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Obituary of Shirley Marie MacDougall
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Shirley MacDougall, 80 years.
Shirley died peacefully in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on February 15, 2018 surrounded by her loving family and following a courageous effort to live with the effects of a stroke she had on January 7.
Shirley was born in Little Dover, Guysborough County on October 20, 1937 to Captain Douglas Boudreau and Nora (Casey) Boudreau.
Although most of her adult life was lived in Antigonish, her love for the sea and her extended family in the Little Dover and Canso area remained a cherished part of her life.
She met and married Dougald MacDougall when working as a telephone operator for Maritime Tel & Tel in Antigonish. Later, with her children in school, she worked in Government Documents at the Angus L MacDonald Library, St. Francis Xavier University from where she retired in 2002.
Shirley gave tirelessly and generously of her time and energy to her family, church and community. A woman of deep and abiding faith, she served as a lector and eucharistic minister at St. Ninian’s Cathedral and as an active member of St. Ninian’s CWL.
Shirley served as President of the local, diocesan, and provincial CWL councils and on numerous provincial and national committees. Her work on behalf of CWL was recognized with a National Life Membership Award in 2003.
Shirley was one of the original organizers of Clan MacDougall in Antigonish and she remained a loyal and active supporter of clan activities. As well, she maintained contact with Clan MacDougall members and activities beyond the local area. She received the Somerled Award in recognition of outstanding service to the Clan MacDougall Society of North America.
Shirley had a keen interest in politics and was a knowledgeable and dependable volunteer within the Liberal Party at local, provincial and federal levels. She served as President of Antigonish Liberal Association.
Through the years, Shirley canvassed for numerous charities, served as Chair of the Antigonish Housing Authority and as President of the local Kidney Foundation.
Time spent with her craft group friends whether working on projects, enjoying social outings or travelling enriched her life, as did her interests in sailing, fiddling, and reading. Her enthusiasm to organize and host gatherings for family and friends flowed out of her ever-welcoming hospitality.
She was predeceased by her parents Doug and Nina; her husband, Dougald (2003); her brothers Lloyd and Ronnie and sister-in-law Winnie.
Left with loving memories are her children: Sandra, Halifax; Dougald (Joan), Paul, and Robert (Cheryl) all of Antigonish; grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, Mason, Holly, Melissa, Jessica, Shandra, Aaron, Stewart and Allison; great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Lauren, Andrew, Roman, Bentley, Braxton and friend Landon; siblings: Betsy (Reg) Feltmate, Lower Sackville, and Gary (Pat) Halifax; and her Aunt Ruby (Ambrose) Horne, Antigonish.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 17th 7 – 9PM and Sunday February 18th 2 – 4PM and 7 – 9PM in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral will be Monday, February 19th at 10AM in St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Rev Andrew Boyd presiding. Burial will be at a later date in St. Ninian’s Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in memory may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or a charity of choice.
