Obituary of Mary Eileen Chisholm

Mary Eileen Chisholm, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family on March 2, 2025 in Antigonish. She was born on July 14, 1967 in Antigonish and grew up on the family farm in Meadow Green, and later in the village of St. Andrews.

Mary Eileen loved life's simple pleasures. She attended school in Antigonish, and after graduation, she became a member of the CACL Community where she participated in various activities and job placements. She and her family were grateful to the many teachers, special educators and friends who helped her spread her wings. Mary Eileen loved to compete in bocce ball and bowling at the Special Olympics. She particularly enjoyed the social aspect that came with these competitions. She was a member of St. Andrew's Parish and belonged to St. Andrew's CWL for 31 years.

Mary Eileen loved music, her television shows, the Toronto Blue Jays and Maple Leafs, a Tim Horton's coffee and her birthday. She was a gifted artist and her paintings were done with great care. She enjoyed spending time with her "favourite people" and her friendships, once made, never ended. The highlight of Mary Eileen's week was her attendance at bingo. She would often arrive home with a flashlight in hand and a smile, because she was a winner.

In 2018, after a health challenge, Mary Eileen was welcomed with open arms by her second family in Martha's Place at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home. She thrived in her new environment, enjoying the friendships of the residents and staff. She gave the best hugs, danced at social events and never missed a beat. She made every day count.

She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her family; Maureen (Archie) Boyd; Hugh James; Kevin (Leslie); Kathleen MacIsaac; Duncan (Gwen); Tom (Kathy); Harold (Claire); sister-in-law Cathy Chisholm; foster uncle Lewis Hewer and many nieces, nephews and cousins who will cherish her memory.

Mary Eileen is predeceased by her parents Thomas Joseph and Mary Gertrude (MacPherson) Chisholm; brothers Gerald; Roddie; infant Joseph; sisters Jessie Eileen; infant Christene; sister-in-law Erdine; brother-in-law John MacIsaac; nephews Gregory Boyd and Boyd Chisholm.

Mary Eileen received exceptional care from the staff of the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home. Her family will always be grateful for that dedicated support. We also thank Dr. Michéle Murphy, Dr. Elizabeth Cooper and Dr. Jane Anne Howard for their consistent and compassionate care.

Mary Eileen taught, by example, the meaning of unconditional love for her family and friends. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to be inspired by her one-of-a-kind heart and her kindness. A celebration of life will be held in the spring in St. Andrew's Church with burial in the parish cemetery. Donations in Mary Eileen's memory may be made to CACL Antigonish; R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home or St. Andrew's Parish Cemetery Fund.

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
- Special Olympics Oath