It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Madge MacInnes, at the age 102, on September 1, 2021 at Colchester Hospital, Truro with her family by her side.
Frankie Madge Johnson was born in Berry Hill to Percy and Beatrice (Grant) Johnson on October 13, 1918. She, along with her brothers, Curtis and Glenn, grew up on a farm in Meadowvale near Upper Stewiacke. Although raised in the country, the lights of town eventually beckoned and at the age of 18 she enrolled at Success Business College in Truro. After graduation, her first job was in bookkeeping at Frost & Wood, a Truro warehousing company. It was there that she met other young girls who would become her lifelong friends.
Madge's life took a new direction when, while attending a gathering with the St. James Presbyterian Young People's Group, she met Malcolm “Mac” MacInnes, whom she subsequently married in 1942. Together they began their life in Truro, first on East Prince St. and later moving to Pleasant St., where they would spend the remainder of their marriage.
They shared their home with Mac's mother, Georgie, and created a loving environment in which to raise their daughter Norma and son Keith. Ahead of her time, she was able to continue her clerical work from home, while being an extraordinary homemaker.
If we are fortunate, we may meet people who leave an indelible, positive impression on all. Madge MacInnes was one of those people. She was raised in a family of avid readers and great storytellers. It was there she would develop qualities that would last a lifetime - compassion, acceptance, generosity, self-sufficiency, resilience, creativity and, in no small measure, humour. As a result, those whose lives she touched came away feeling encouraged about the world in general and themselves in particular.
Madge was very involved in St. James Presbyterian Church. From the church kitchen to typing the annual reports, she had her hand in many activities. She continued well into her later years as a member of the Women's Missionary Society.
Many who spent time with her became proficient in the kitchen and with a sewing machine. Her recipes were generously shared and sometimes led to lots of laughter as one would attempt to decipher what exactly was meant by a particular direction. When asked when the end result could be expected, the forthcoming answer was usually along the lines of “Oh, when it looks right.”
Her sewing skills were legendary. She made clothing for her family, teddy bears and dolls for her grandchildren and with her keen eye for colour, pattern, and placement, produced beautiful quilts that were cherished by several generations. It is a testament to her talent and patient teaching that some family members continue the art today.
Madge was a natural born hostess. It made no difference what time you showed up on her doorstep or how many you had in tow, you were welcomed and fed and sheltered.
She had a talent for innovative and, at times, unconventional problem solving. She was often heard to say, “Why couldn't you just...” or “The difficult we can do right away. The impossible takes a little longer.” She would have thrived in today's workplace, with its demand for creative workarounds.
Although small in stature and gentle in nature, Madge was not to be underestimated. She accepted life's challenges and was a two time cancer survivor. She was also known for not taking herself, or life in general, too seriously. When asked how she was after falling from her second storey balcony, she would reply, “It's a good thing I landed on my head.” Her words of advice in the face of adversity? “Don't worry. If something is bothering you, don't think about it.”
There was so much more to Madge, including her love of nature in all its forms. We are thankful for the many trees she planted, and the flowers and vegetables she grew; for the birds she fed and the habitats she provided them.
She was also well read. This stood her in good stead as she worked her way through countless New York Times crossword puzzles with the confidence and knowledge that enabled her to forsake a pencil and dive in with ballpoint pen in hand.
Madge and Mac spent many happy years in their little yellow cottage at Brule Beach. Just like her home, it was a welcoming place for one and all. She ensured that there was always plenty to eat and a place to relax and spend time enjoying company. Surrounded by friends, she took part in many games of 45's fueled by good food, lively stories and a great deal of laughter.
She was an intrepid driver and had a love for Volvo station wagons. There were many trips to the cottage loaded down with everything from gardening tools to Joe the cat. She approached the task of fitting everything in with the skills of an experienced jigsaw puzzler.
Filled with gratitude for their many happy years with their mother, and sadness at her leaving, are her daughter, Norma Cameron and her son, Keith (Marlene) MacInnes. She is also survived by grandchildren, Kathryn Giles, Mitchell (Karen) and Sean Cameron, Meghan (Faisal) Kabir, Robin (Jonathan) Sampson, Rebecca MacInnes; great- grandchildren, Alex Giles, Paige (Michael) Shilliday and Kali Cameron; sister-in-law, Irene Johnson; niece, Elaine (Reuben) Herrara; nephews, Peter and Grant (Karen) Johnson; and grand-niece, Avery Johnson. She was predeceased by her husband, Malcolm; her parents and siblings; and her son-in-law, Fraser Cameron.
Special thanks to Shaleen, Kathy, Joy and the caring staff at Wynn Park Villa for their unfailing dedication and attention during the past several years.
Funeral arrangements by Arimathea Funeral Cooperative.
A celebration of Madge's life will be held at St. James Presbyterian Church, Truro on Monday, September 27 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Andrew Campbell officiating and Joy Miller, Minister of Music. Due to Covid restrictions, masking and social distancing will be in effect. Attendance will be limited. To gather with us please register through the St. James Church office either by calling 902-893-9587 or emailing st.jamestruro@gmail.com. Live streaming of the service will be available. Please contact the church office for details. Interment to follow at a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Madge's memory may be made to St. James Church.
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“Successful is the person who has lived well, laughed often and loved much. Who has gained the respect of children. Who leaves the world better than they found it, who has never lacked appreciation for the earth's beauty, who never fails to look for the best in others or give the best of themselves.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
