Obituary of Mary MacMillan

Mary MacMillan left us on November 24, 2024, after an exceptionally well-lived 97 years.

Here was a woman who never saw a party she wanted to miss, a child she didn’t want to spoil, nor a pet that she didn’t want to feed. Her life was filled with loving others and being loved by everyone who knew her.

Together with the late Joseph MacMillan, she raised seven children: Robert (Kris); Cathie (Jim); Mary Jo (Randy); Jamie (the late Elaine); Gail (Mickey); Lisa (Tom); and Karen (Tim) - all of whom adored her and strive every day to be more like her. And while it’s true she loved her kids and their spouses and would give any of them her last dollar, it was her 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren who likely were her greatest joy - the sweetest icing on the cake of her life. She was shameless in bragging about them to friends, neighbours, and even innocent strangers in a waiting room. Mary would rave about how they were beautiful, kind and ‘smart as a cricket.’ She thought they could do no wrong. When they were little, the grandkids all recognized her as a soft touch. She could be counted on to slip them a few bucks or a second bowl of ice cream or really, anything she had the power to give.

Although based in Windsor, Mary was a proud member of the Cape Bretoner community, and kept her tartan home full of friends, Celtic music, and good food. Every person who entered the house was offered a seat at the table, a fortifying drink, and either a sympathetic ear, a shared laugh, or an alibi (as needed). People traveled for miles to have a drink or taste her endless supply of comfort food, including delicious stew, cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, and apple pies. If she noticed anyone looking a bit tired, she would jump into action, urging (or physically pushing) them to lie down for a snooze on the chesterfield and offering a warm blanket from the dryer to cover them up. If a person admired a random item of hers, she immediately tried to insist they take it home with them. Her ultimate goal was to make people happy. The best days were when visitors came- especially when they happened to be beloved relatives from Cape Breton. And come they did to the safe haven she created; the little blue house was rarely quiet over the years.

Her most constant companion throughout the almost century she spent on Earth was her twin sister, Margaret MacIsaac. Enjoying a bond that most people never experience, “MandM” (as they were known) found a way to bicker constantly while being utterly devoted to each other. Their mother (Catherine MacLean) died while they were still teenagers, and they rallied to support their younger sister Terry (Nantais) and their grieving father (Hugh MacLean). Eventually, they both married, bought houses close to each other, and ultimately became the second mom to each other’s children. (The MacIsaacs continually show their love and support for Mary to this day.) As the years passed and their children launched, MandM put their heads together to plan trips (often to Cape Breton), shop, get their hair done (thanks Gayle!), and find opportunities to do good and to cause trouble here and there.

Mary had lifelong friends that added colourful sprinkles to the cake. There are too many to count, but standouts include the late Theresa Gillis, Theresa Maini, and Homer/Lil/Michael Bachand, wonderful people who, over the decades, helped her celebrate the good days and weather the tough ones. She wouldn’t understand the song ‘Somebody that I Used to Know.’ If she knew you, she knew you forever - and wanted you to come over (preferably soon).

At the end of the day, it may be fair to say that it is her children who will miss her most. Along with her husband, she was the foundation of everything for them. They feel this loss deeply but rejoice in the jackpot of having had Mary MacMillan as their mom. She serves as an inspiration on how to live a good life while leaving a mammoth impact in a thousand ways. They take comfort in picturing Mary at her front door waving goodbye and smiling as she says a final ‘toodle-oo’ to all.

The family feels gratitude for each of the people who helped keep Mary at home to the end with special thanks to good friend Mary Elizabeth Gignac, nurse Katlyn Marentette, and professional caregiver Jylene King.

As per Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial visitation will take place at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Central Chapel) 1700 Tecumseh Rd E. (519-253-7234) on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 11:00 am until the time of the funeral service in the chapel at 1:00pm. Online condolences and cherished memories can be shared at www.windsorchapel.com