Obituary of Natalie Winnifred Durant

Natalie Winnifred Durant passed away peacefully at her home, with her four girls by her side, on Wednesday, March 24th at the age of 84. Born in Seal Harbour on July 26th, 1936 she was the daughter of the late Allister and Verna MacFarlane but raised by her grandparents Gladys and Bill Crooks in Fishermans Harbour.

Natalie moved to Antigonish in 1955. Over the years she worked at St.Martha's hospital in the lab, at the Lobster Treat where she met her favourite singer Rita MacNeil and at Sunshine on Main where she was known for her cinnamon rolls, biscuits and seafood chowder.

She lived in North Grant for 63 years where she and her late husband John raised their only daughter Debbie, and later on Debbie raised her two daughters, Amy and Chelsea right next door. She had a great group of neighbours around her. There was always someone at the door with fresh fish, vegetables from their garden or rabbits for her famous meat pies. In the winter they kept her driveway plowed and her lawn mowed in the summer.

Natalie's door was always open to company and the teapot was always on. Always dressed to the nines, she was never spotted in pants, always a dress or skirt. Her nails were always painted, long hair up in a bun. Earrings, bracelets, rings and pearl necklace on. She enjoyed bingo (especially a trip to Bangor on the bingo bus), yard sales, Christmas time, her daily chats with friends and visiting her granddaughters Amy and Chelsea in Halifax. In January she welcomed her first great grandchild, Tess, who she loved facetiming with daily. Her two granddaughters and her great-granddaughter were her pride and joy. She loved when they came home to visit. Supper was always on the table when they got there and they never left without a cooler full of homemade meals.

She is survived by her daughter Debbie, her granddaughters Amy (Michael), Eastern Passage, Chelsea (Ryan), Halifax and great-granddaughter Tess. Sister-in-law Olive (Jack) of Dartmouth, brothers-in-law Napolion of Hamilton and Robert of Cape Breton. Predeceased by her husband of 40 years John Durant.

To neighbours, friends and family who visited, sat with her at home or ran errands for us these last few months your thoughtfulness will always be remembered. A special thanks to Dr. Hickey, the Palliative Care team at St. Martha's, Nurse Practitioner William Bland, the VON and Reverend Sue Channen.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to MacIsaac's Funeral Home, Antigonish. There will be no visitation or funeral as per Natalie's wishes. A small family service with the spreading of her ashes will take place on her 85th birthday. Donations may be made to St. Martha's Regional Hospital, VON or the Canadian Cancer Society. www.MacIsaacs.ca

Always Loved

Never Forgotten

Forever Missed