Obituary of Mary Ellen Smith

Mary Ellen Smith, 78, of James River, Antigonish Co., passed away peacefully in the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home, on Thursday, January 28, 2021, after a brief illness. Mary Ellen was born in the Bronx, New York and was the daughter of the late James Patrick and Madeline (O'Brien) Leamy. 

After graduating from Preston High School, New York, she went on to post-secondary studies at a local Business College. She then worked in Manhattan for the government of New York City. On a vacation to visit family friends (The Foley's) in Antigonish, she met the love of her life, Allister Smith. Mary Ellen took a secretarial position with the Education Department at St. Francis Xavier University where she worked for several years until devoting her life to raising her two beloved children. 

Mary Ellen loved the simple pleasures of life in spending time with her family, reading, crosswords, playing games and enjoying conversation with others. She had a heart of gold and would always give to others whatever she could. 

She is survived by her husband, Allister, daughter Arlene (Richard) Rockwell, Lucasville; Brian, Antigonish; three grandchildren Ethan, Madeline and Regan Rockwell and several sisters and brothers-in-law as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her loving brother Patrick J. Leamy and nephew Christopher Leamy both of Albany, N.Y., and a granddaughter Marie Rockwell (infancy). 

Special thanks to the loving and compassionate care of the staff at the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home and Dr. Martin Eckhart. 

Cremation has taken place and a burial service will be held at a later date in the Glen Bard Cemetery, James River. Donations may be made to the Alzheimers Society of Nova Scotia, the Lung Association of Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.MacIsaacs.ca