Obituary of Lillian Dianna MacPherson

Lillian Dianna (DeCoste) MacPherson

We are saddened to announce the passing of Lillian Dianna (DeCoste) MacPherson, age 76, of Manchester, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in the Halifax Infirmary, with family by her side.

Born on June 23, 1948, in Antigonish and raised in Frankville, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Edith (Fougere) DeCoste.

Lillian was loved and will be missed by her husband of 53 years, Hugh; her three sons, Danny (Marcella), Darren (Jolene) and Darryl (Kerri); four grandchildren, Lydia, Brenna, Masen and Maci; sisters-in-law, Dianne, Margaret, Marjorie (Harold) and Betty Anne; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was pre-deceased by her parents; brothers, Wayne and Ambrose; brothers-in-law, Allen and Jim; sister-in-law Rita; and niece Charlene.

Lillian graduated from Cape Breton Business College, raised her three boys, sang at weddings, funerals and in her kitchen, and wore out a few sets of Rosary Beads, spent time at the camp and loved to bake and cook.  She worked for 25 years at Guysborough Memorial Hospital before retiring to her beloved cabin on the bay for nightly games of crib with Hughie.

Lillian was a generous woman and the hub of her family.  She was interested in everyone’s day and was keeper of all secrets (and phone numbers and important documents).  A pot of chili made by Momma Lil (as she was known to her sons and their friends) was often on the go to welcome visitors to the camp.  Slightly competitive, she enjoyed game nights with her family and always had time for one more game, especially if she was winning.

The family would like to thank hospital staff in Guysborough, Antigonish, and Halifax for their joyful and compassionate care over the past three weeks.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 2, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 54 Queen St., Guysborough.  Funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 3, at 2pm in St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Havre Boucher with Father Allan MacPhie officiating.  Burial in Manchester Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in memory of Lillian may be made to Guysborough Memorial Hospital or Manchester Port Shoreham Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Homes, Guysborough. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com