Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Hadley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Mary Elizabeth Hadley (MacEachern), age 68 of Mulgrave, NS.  Mary  passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2024 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish in the presence of her family.

Born in Antigonish on October 26, 1955 she was the daughter of the late Donald Angus and Mary “Elizabeth“ MacEachern of McArras Brook. Mary was the 8^th child of 11 and grew up on a farm on the shores of the Northumberland Strait. As a child she loved to play scrub ball, skate on the pond, and running to the shore multiple times a day with her siblings to swim.  At age 17, Mary met the love of her life  Jimmy. They were a striking pair both with their jet black hair.  Never a hair out of place! Together they raised 4 children. 

Mary’s transition into motherhood came so naturally to her even though she lost her own mother at the age of 17 and her father soon after.  She was born to be a caregiver. She navigated her way through motherhood providing us with such tender loving care. She had so little but gave us so much.  Mom’s attention and worry for her family did not wane; it only grew as she became nanny to her 7 grandchildren.  

She later became a CCA for Guysborough Home Support Agency and this role could not be more fitting.  She took such pride in caring for her clients in the community for over 20 years. 

Mary kept her house spotless and we often said mom’s broom gave her solitude. When her work was done, Mom loved a good time.   Dancing and listening to music were Mom’s favorite activities and always brought a smile to her face. She loved to travel to all the local dances and hit the dance floor. When she could no longer get to a dance Mom enjoyed the local music scene online. Mom’s toes never stopped tapping to the music.

Mary is survived by her sons, Chad (Barbara), Clinton (Tracy); daughters Jessica (Adam) Rondelet, and Brittany (Ben) Chaisson and grandchildren Luke, Blake, Kristen, Austin, Emerson, Elliana and Avery. Brothers Eddie MacEachern (Debbie), Jay MacEachern (Terri), John MacEachern, Peter MacEachern (Kathy), Leonard MacEachern (Nancy); Sisters Bernadette Miners (Bob) and Lorraine Bouchie (Joe) and a large extended family.

Mary was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, James “Jimmy” Hadley by only 5 weeks. She was also predeceased by her mother and father-in-law Harry & Hortense Hadley; siblings Kathleen England, Francis MacEachern, and Blaise MacEachern. 

The family would like to thank all the doctors and staff at the Palliative care unit at St. Martha’s and the care mom received in the community.  Special thanks to music therapist Rebecca McDonald for making Mom’s lengthy stay brighter and to Sister Catherine who provided such comforting support to Mom.

You were so selfless mom, putting everyone else first. You had a smile for everyone you met.  Just like the George Jones song “You stood in the shadows so others could shine”.   Mom, we hope that heaven is filled with plentiful lobster and the music is just right.

Cremation has taken place, and a funeral will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Mulgrave on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 1pm. Reception to follow at Mulgrave Fire Hall. Burial will take place at a later date.  In memoriam, donations can be made to the Antigonish Town and County Palliative Care Society. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com