Obituary of Adelaide MacInnis

View Funeral Mass here  https://youtu.be/4MKCH_IGrEw

It is with profound sadness, but acknowledgement of a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Adelaide MacInnis age 89, at St. Martha’s Hospital surrounded by loved ones on January 12^th, 2021. Born October 29, 1931 in Inverness, Cape Breton, she was the youngest daughter of the late Dougall and Margaret (Beaton) Deagle. She was predeceased by her husband Charles “Buddy” MacInnis, her son Brian in infancy and daughter Anne (Brian Myers). She was also predeceased by siblings Jack, Robert, Bernard, Billy and Johnny, and Cathy Gillis. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She is survived by children Charles (Judy Mettam), Ian (Wendy Power), Joan (Andre Weingartshofer), and Eileen (Peter Melong). Her pride and joy were her nine grandchildren, remembering their Nanny fondly are Kyla and Nicholas MacInnis (Charles), David Myers (Anne), Victoria and Steven MacInnis (Ian), Paul and Dr. Tony Weingartshofer (Joan), and Shaylene and Janique Melong (Eileen). Also great grandchildren Landon, Shelton, Mya, and Titan. Her fifth great grandchild is due to arrive in March.   She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

During World War II, her family moved to Pictou where her brothers and father were employed at the shipyard. After the war her family returned to Inverness and Adelaide attended the Holy Family High School. Following high school her family moved to Antigonish where she attended Mount St. Bernard College and she began her career as a bookkeeper at MacDonald’s Grocery Store in Antigonish. She then married Buddy in 1955 and started a family. Once all the children were in school, Adelaide worked at Canadian Tire in Antigonish.

Guided by a strong faith, she treasured her family, often sending “nanny’s prayers” when they were needed most. Known within the family as a “financial wizard” she prided herself on providing for the family and on her ability to stretch a dollar as far as she could. A trained seamstress and knitter she clothed her family with everything from prom dresses to wool socks. Adelaide wasn’t afraid of rolling up her sleeves and using a little elbow grease, priding herself in her ability to complete home repairs and maintaining spotless floors. Never short of words, Nanny wasn’t afraid of speaking her mind, frequently lending encouragement, or as she would say “a boot in the arse”. She valued education and hard work and never missed an opportunity to show her guests the family shrine that adorned her living room wall.

Adelaide came from a musical family, having fond memories of step dancing and singing in Inverness during her childhood. In her earlier years she won trophies at the married peoples bowling league in Antigonish. She was an avid skater and enjoyed playing cards and darts with her friends at club 60. Her favorite event of the year was the Antigonish Highland Games where she enjoyed the heavyweight events and the afternoon Ceilidh with son Charlie. She will forever be remembered for her famous rolls and delicious meals served every weekend to her children and dozens of their closest friends and future in-laws.

Special thanks to the Palliative Care Team at St. Martha’s Hospital for their kindness and wonderful care, as well as Drs. Emma and John Chaisson and Dr. Gallivan. Special thank you also to Dr. Michael MacKenzie (retired), her long time physician, and Pharmacist, Arnold Hudson who answered her many questions.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of MacIsaac Funeral Home. Due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be no public wake.  Funeral Mass to be held at 11:00am Saturday, Jan 16^th St. Ninian's Cathedral, Antigonish. In consideration of public health restrictions numbers will be limited in the church, please keep this in mind as not everyone may be granted entry. For those who cannot attend in person a link to the funeral mass will be posted on the funeral home's website following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to St. Martha’s Hospital Foundation or charity of choice. www.MacIsaacs.ca