Obituaries

It is with the appreciation and grace of a life well lived that the family of Margaret Eileen McIntosh, beloved wife of John Lorne McIntosh, announce her passing. This occurred on Monday August 12, 2019, at home in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, surrounded by immediate family. She was a devote Christian, and the family is comforted with the knowledge that she is now home with her Lord and Saviour.

Margaret was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/Dementia a few years ago along with a more recent bout of Cancer which took its toll over the last year.

Born in 1937 in Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia she was the daughter of the late Walter and Jennie (Webster) Fillmore. She leaves behind a legacy of love for her five daughters, Jacqueline Glover (Gerald), Dawn Wells (Cory, pre-deceased), Patricia Sebestik (Mark), Susana Sears (Tony) and Stephanie Janssen (Michael). Grandchildren, Brett Glover, Joshua Sears (Samantha), Reid Janssen, Paige Janssen and Rémi Sebestik.

Margaret always found strength and inspiration in her faith which guided her much of her life. As a wife, Mum, Grammie, Care Giver, volunteer and community member she always welcomed people in and her door was always open. Kind and generous, to a fault, with unfailing core values, her home was known to be a safe haven to many in need.

A very young Margaret arrived in Halifax in the late 1950’s and after studies took a position as a bookkeeper with the Nova Scotia Childrens Aid Foundation and well as becoming a WREN Pay-writer in the Naval Reserves. She was particularly fond of her time as a WREN and later maintained a membership in the WREN’s Association, meeting periodically over the years.

Early 1960’s she met and married John, settled in Dartmouth and proceeded to raise a large Naval family, often single handedly, while John was away on long deployments. Her devotion and efforts to family is evident in the strong capable band of ladies who were taught to cope, rationalize and get things done. It was important to her that her daughters were grounded individuals with good moral compasses. She called us all her little birds, gave all she loved endearing nicknames, held rocked and comforted us when we were sick, and celebrated our achievements. She was our protector.

During John’s Military career they traveled several times to Europe as well as a very memorable vacation to South East Asia. Upon retirement they took a leisurely drive across Canada starting in Victoria and managed to sample as much of this vast country as possible. Always wanting to visit Ireland she took three separate journeys and found it to be a magical place, enjoying the people and landscapes similar to her own hometown. Still exchanging Christmas Cards with folks she met on her first visit over 20yrs ago. Finding herself as family Matriarch, Margaret took it upon herself to document family genealogy with many photo albums along with scrapbooking printed articles.

As Grammie, Margaret played a major role in the lives of her five grandchildren. She could be found at any of the hockey rinks, swimming pools, school events, soccer fields as well as along the shores of many paddling lakes. She was the biggest fan of their sports, offering praise and encouragement as well as post sport Grammie treats.

It was her wish that all her children and grandchildren embrace the Scots/Irish culture and happily encouraged their involvement musically as Bagpipers and (mostly) Drummers. One of her greatest joys was seeing several of her grandchildren as full kilt wearing accomplished musicians in the Dartmouth Pipe & Drum Band. She very much enjoyed the many Highland Games Festivals and well as the annual Nova Scotia Tattoo. If you drove, or were a passenger in her vehicle, you could expect to be entertained by a variety of East Coast Fiddle music like a mobile Kitchen Party.

Margaret is survived by brothers Frank (Elenor), Russell (Vicky) and Thomas (Anna). Predeceased by her parents, brother Dallas (Debbie) and beloved sister Marilyn (Ron).

A Celebration of Life will take place 11am, September 6, 2019 at the Port Wallace United Church, 263 Waverley Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Reception to follow.

If you are so inclined, wearing a little bit of plaid might be a nice touch.

We would invite you to visit the website of Donald K. Walker Funeral Director at www.donaldkwalker.ca to share a picture or memory of Mum.

Donations can be made to the Hospice Halifax, 618 Francklyn Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H- 3B4 www.hospicehalifax.ca