Obituary of Mary Ann Chisholm

With heavy hearts and profound love, we share the passing of Mary Ann Chisholm in the Palliative Care Unit of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on July 1, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born in Newton-Wellesley, Massachusetts, and later moving to Antigonish, Nova Scotia in 1967, she was the daughter of Bernerd and Isobel (Gillis) Chisholm. 

Mary Ann graduated with a Diploma in Nursing in 1980 from St. Martha’s School of Nursing. After graduating, Mary Ann started her nursing career in St. John’s, Newfoundland at the St. John’s General Hospital. Her career next took her to the Camp Hill Hospital in Halifax. All of Mary Ann's patients received her brand of excellent nursing care, and her unwavering compassion touched the heart of all her patients with her bedside care. She made many lifelong friendships with her nursing colleagues; she treasured every one of them. Her career finally brought her back to Antigonish, nursing at St. Martha’s Hospital. She ended her career as Assistant Director of Nursing at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish. To quote Mary Ann “Ending my career working with the elderly was a gift for me”. 

Mary Ann was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She would drop whatever she was doing to help a family member or a friend. She was especially close to her nephews Doug, Colin, Nathan and Noah. Many a laugh was had with Noah around the kitchen table. She dearly loved her cousins, especially Katy, she was her best friend and her confidant. 

Mary Ann was a true animal lover. Any animal adopted by Mary Ann was blessed with a kind and loving home. She was the first to introduce a Life Assist Dog to a resident in a Nursing Home in Canada. She had a passion for horses. Mary Ann and her horse, Chief, made many new and lasting friendships that went far beyond the barn. 

She is survived by her brother Fred (Vanda); sisters, Darlene (Debbie) Bon Accord, Alberta; Carol (Ken) Country Harbour; Jeanette (John) Antigonish; nephews Doug, Antigonish; Colin (Morgan) Victoria BC; Nathan (Avery) Antigonish; great nephew Noah, Antigonish; and many adored cousins. 

She was predeceased by her parents Bernerd and Isobel (Gillis) Chisholm, brother Douglas and beloved relatives. 

Thanks to Mary Ann’s doctors, Dr. Emma Chiasson, Dr. Soliman and Dr. Soofi. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Nurses for the exceptional care and dignity they gave Mary Ann and her family.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Sunday July 6th from 2-4 pm- 7-9pm in MacIsaac Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 am on Monday, July 7, 2025 in St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding.