Obituary of Myra Rita MacEachern

Please note: Due to technical difficulties the first portion of the livestream did not connect. 

Myra passed away peacefully with great strength and grace in St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish, on February 18th, 2025.

Myra was born in Saint John, NB on December 12, 1937 to Fredrick and Mary (Hughes) Gooding.  She arrived at St. Martha's Hospital in Antigonish, at the age of 17, to begin her training as a Registered Nurse where she practiced for several years. While at St. Martha's she met the love of her life, Donald Joseph MacEachern and were married in 1958.

Myra was deeply devoted to her family and her faith.  Myra loved to spend her summers at Mahoney's beach, camping in New England, traveling to new places coast to coast, and overseas with Donnie and family. Myra created a home filled with traditions, love, and a sense of service. She baked and cooked for birthday parties, entertained company during Saturday night hockey games, holiday feasts, and community events. She especially loved preparing and making her dark Christmas fruit cake, and green tomato chow. Myra and Donnie worked together on preparing these long standing family traditions. 

When the family grew older Myra devoted her free time to helping Donnie at Oak Manor Men's Wear.  Her curious nature delighted in serving customers, developing and expanding the business to include women's clothing, and having her mascot Sheltie in the office. Myra was often seen walking down Hawthorne Street, over the years, with a Sheltie at her side.  She took great joy in caring for her four legged companions. Myra connected with community members on her walks, and joyfully engaged with them to discuss their families and animals. Myra's heart made everyone feel special and seen.  She was quiet, humble and unassuming.  

Besides her parents Myra is predeceased by her brother David Gooding (Saint John, NB) and sister-in-law Ann Marie (MacEachern) (Vernon) MacDonald. She is survived by her husband Donald, her four children Donald Jr., Calgary; Anne MacEachern, California; David (Ellen), Calgary; Mary MacEachern (Alberto), River John; ten grandchildren: Ashley, Nathaniel (Emilie), Sarah (Nils), Meghan (Fred), Graham (Christina), Moses (Ashley), Daniel (Bre), Benjamin (Ashleigh), Hillary (Dereck), and Anna;  and nine great grandchildren: Sloane, Scarlett, Frederick, Sterling, Barrett, Finlay, Emilia, Ella and Declan.  Myra is also survived by her sister-in-law Barbara (MacEachern) (Brian) Hoar; brother-in-law Iain (Anne) MacEachern.  In hospital, Myra received a surprise visit from Delores Watt, her closest, and dearest friend, from Saint John, NB,  since elementary school. They reminisced and giggled like school girls, bringing Mom much joy.

Myra spent her last six weeks of life in the Palliative Care Unit of St. Martha's Regional Hospital. The family is deeply and forever grateful for the exceptional care and dedication given to Myra by the nursing and medical staff.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm on Sunday, February 23, 2025 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am in St. Ninian's Cathedral on Monday, February 24th, 2025, Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, or St Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish, NS

Myra lived according to her favourite motto, which she instilled in all who loved her so dearly... "Do Small Things With Great Love"... St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta