MacQuarrie, Mary Ellen – It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ellen (McFetridge) MacQuarrie, age 87, of Middle Musquodoboit on January 18, 2021 after a brief illness.
Mary Ellen was born in Middle Musquodoboit in 1933, the youngest child and only daughter of parents, Ira and Grace (Hanna) McFetridge. She attended Horton Academy and was a proud graduate of Acadia University in 1954, where she obtained a B.A. and made many cherished lifelong friendships. She spent her university summers working in Keltic Lodge in Cape Breton, and later worked for the National Film Board of Canada in Halifax. While raising her family, she worked part-time as a Secretary at the local secondary and elementary schools, and volunteered for many years as the Secretary to the Musquodoboit Rural High School Board of Trustees.
Mary Ellen’s greatest passion was music. She was an extremely gifted musician, accomplished on both the piano and fiddle. She played piano at countless community events and school graduations, and spent many summers in Cape Breton after her children were grown, attending local dances and performances and enjoying the unique culture of Cape Breton music. She was a long-time member of the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association. She continued to enjoy music throughout her entire life, and hosted monthly jam sessions in her home right up until 2020.
Mary Ellen will be deeply missed by her devoted children, Martha McHardy, Cobble Hill, BC; Moira (Vic) Smyth, Richmond, BC; Ranald MacQuarrie, Middle Musquodoboit; Isabella (Bella) MacQuarrie (Phil Wright), 100 Mile House, BC; and Ian MacQuarrie (Nancy Murchy), Middle Musquodoboit; along with her cherished grand-daughters, Casandra Jakubiec, Nelson, BC; and Hanna Smyth, Oxford, UK.
Mary Ellen is also survived by several McFetridge and MacQuarrie nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Her children wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their cousin Ellen McFetridge for her loving, devoted support and companionship to her dear Aunt Mary. As well, we offer our deepest appreciation to the exceptional medical team who provided such compassionate, dedicated care to Mom.
Mary Ellen was predeceased by her husband, George MacQuarrie in 2012; and her brothers, Victor, Donald and John (Jack) McFetridge.
Her modest and non-judgemental character, extremely sharp mind and genuine interest in the lives of those she loved will be deeply missed by her family, as well her beautiful smile which could light up a room. We will forever benefit from the extraordinary example of quiet strength, grace and kindness that she demonstrated throughout her life.
Private family graveside service to be held at a later date, and there will be notice of a celebration of life once pandemic restrictions have been lifted.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a charity of your choice or the MS Society of Canada.
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