The family of Mary F. Doyle is saddened to announce her death on August 25, 2015 at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish, N.S.
Mary Frances MacDonald Doyle was born in Ingonish, Cape Breton on April 23, 1926. She was a daughter of the late Angus R. and Harriet (Hawley) MacDonald. Mary lived in Antigonish County for the last 40 years where she continued to raise her family after the death of her husband, Ronald Vincent Doyle. She worked at the St. F.X. University library for many years.
She was predeceased by her husband Ronald, son David, brother Angus, sisters Hilda, Annie and Sarah and nephew Joey.
She is survived by her sister, Vera Cook Oliver (Florida); her children: Ronald Vincent (Pat), Sharon (Robert), Eileen, Robert (Holly), Gerard (Pam), Theresa, William, Sarah (Greg), Brendan (Pauline), Melissa (Tony), Maureen (Joel), Ronalda, nieces and nephews too numerous to name, 28 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.
Our mother was a woman of many talents and gifts that transformed whatever she touched into things of beauty. She found joy in gardening: brilliant orange tiger lilies and deep red roses thrived under her touch. Many a tourist took a second glance at the gardens surrounding the bright yellow house on the side of the country road on the Cabot Trail. She was a seamstress; though in her humility she would never call herself one. The snow suits or refitted coats her children wore through their early years were made from lovely hand me down coats sent by her sister, Vera, in "the States." Many an outfit, including the dresses and suits for first communion and confirmation were produced with the same skill and love.
She was a woman of strong faith and relied on her prayer time
and the mass to guide her through the challenges of the years. She
gave us a spiritual foundation on which we have built and are living
our lives. We are grateful.
Having
resourcefully raised 13 children in the beautiful fishing
village of Ingonish, C.B. she knew how to stretch a dime.
Her children were often offered the reply to a request with
"We'll get that when my ship comes in." As children, not
grasping her meaning, some of us could be found scanning the ocean
near the homestead for that ship. Your ship has now come in.
We are left with memories and respect for the love and tenacity you
lived and shared.
Private visitation in Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 28th at 2:00pm in St. Peter's Church, Ingonish. Burial in the parish cemetery.
Dr. Hickey and Dr. Steeves, Mary had great respect and trust in both of you. The family wants to thank all those at the RK MacDonald whose friendship, care and kindnesses supported her over the past three years.
Memorial donations may be made to L'Arche, Antigonish or L'Arche Homefires, Wolfville.
Funeral in under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antgonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com