Marjorie MacKenzie-MacKay of St. Peter's, NS

6 January 1925 – 10 March 2026 (101 years)

It is with overwhelming sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved centenarian mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Born in Soldier’s Cove, NS to the late John A. (Black Jack) and Elsie (Fogwill) MacDonald. She was the last surviving member of her family, predeceased by sisters Marjorie (known as Midge) who died at age 6, Rebecca (Betty) Sutherland, and Mildred Fraser, and brothers John (died at age 2), Tom (known as Chickie), and John R. (known as John the Piper). Her first husband, Justin N MacKenzie (St. Peter’s), died in January 1981, and second husband, Donald R. MacKay (Glendale), died in February 2009. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Helen MacDonald (Soldier’s Cove) and many dear nieces and nephews and cousins.

Marjorie married Justin in 1948, and they started their family in Brantford, ON with four children born there. Dianne (Conrad) Landry, Sampsonville; Marjorie Mimi (Charles) Blinn, Shediac; Ian (Mary) MacKenzie, Bedford; and Rosemary (Mac) MacIsaac, St. Peter’s. Upon return to Cape Breton, three more children completed the family: Joan (Allan) MacDonald, Fall River; Ken (Carole) MacKenzie, St. Peter’s; and Allan (Celia) MacKenzie, Morar, Scotland. 

More joy was added to Mom’s life with the arrival of 12 grandchildren: Martha (Troy) Allen and MacKenzie Landry, John Sampson and Maisie (Paddy McQuarrie) Sampson; Matthew and Veronica (Matt Phelps) MacIsaac; Marsalie (Jared Banner) MacKenzie and Alison (Sean Ritchie) MacKenzie; Eilidh, Ewen (Genelle Grubb) and Justin (Lauren Skabar) MacDonald; and Freya MacKenzie. Six great-grandchildren who love their GiGi complete the family circle – Jessica Perks, Morgan White, Andy McQuarrie, Maeryn Allen, Cian MacIsaac and Breton Banner. 

Marjorie left home after high school and moved to Kingston, ON during WWII to work at an aluminum company in support of the war effort. In 1944, she returned to NS to attend Public Normal College, Truro, graduating in 1945. She taught school in Bridgewater, Larry’s River, Barra Head, and Brantford, ON. After settling back home, Mom began teaching at St. Peter’s school where she was a much loved and respected English, History and Geography teacher. Friday afternoon classes were the big favourite, as novels were read aloud by such a wonderfully expressive lector. Many students through the years would express their thanks to Mom for instilling a love of reading and learning.  

Mom encouraged all her children to obtain an education and pursue careers, and was extremely proud of all our accomplishments, whether it was in nursing, teaching (following in her footsteps), IT, kiltmaking, or military careers. 

Mom was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Peter’s Parish and had great devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  Mom served as a catechist and a lector in the parish.  

Mom was also very active in the Progressive Conservative Ladies group and received an honorary life membership. She was also a founding member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 47 Ladies Auxiliary. Mom also served on The Richmond County School Board following retirement. 

After Dad’s untimely passing, Mom married Donald R. MacKay and they enjoyed over 25 years together, travelling to many parts of Canada and abroad.  

A proud Scot and avid genealogist, our family has lost a huge wealth of knowledge. Fostering a love our  Scottish heritage, Mom was a strong supporter of all our endeavors in piping, dancing and Gaelic. She was immensely proud when her three sons became pipers, following in her father’s footsteps. Four grandsons also became pipers – MacKenzie Landry, John Sampson, Matt MacIsaac and Ewen MacDonald.   

Our thanks go out to Dr Samson, Dr MacCormick, VON and Continuing Care nurses for caring for Mom in a loving way these past few years.  Thank you also to Dr Hanspal, Dr Deroche and Dr MacInnis and all the caring nursing staff at Strait Richmond Hospital.  

Visitation will be held at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 26 Centennial St., St. Peter’s on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 2:00-8:00pm. 

Funeral mass will be on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Fr John Yake officiating.  Burial to take place at a later date.  

Family flowers only, please. Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church Cemetery Fund or Strait Richmond Hospital Palliative Care Society.  

Please join us for a reception following Mass at St.Peter’s Lions Hall, St.Peter’s. 

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, St. Peter’s. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com