MacIver, Mary Christena – Port Hawkesbury, Age 86. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother Mary Christena MacIver of Port Hawkesbury, and most recently Alderwood Rest Home, on Good Friday, April 7, 2023 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit. She was born on October 11, 1936 at Cains Mountain to Duncan and Henrietta Campbell.

She is survived by her children, Betty (Ernie) Maillet, Gary (Karen) MacIver, and Carole (Bob O’Reilly); grandchildren, Karla Dorey, Michael Horne, Jordan Horne and Brynne Nantes MacIver. She was predeceased by her husband, Cecil; daughter, Ann Horne; brother, Morris Campbell, and parents Duncan and Etta Campbell.

She retired from the Department of Community Services in St. Peters. Prior to that she was employed for many years by the Wagmatcook and We’koqma’q Band councils where she made many lifelong friends. Her strength, determination and perseverance were evident when, as a middle-aged adult, she decided to enter university and one of her proudest moments was when, in 1989, she graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. 

She was a special person who touched the lives of many. She especially enjoyed sewing and baking but her greatest enjoyment was her family. As recently as a few years ago she was still driving to Halifax to visit her children and grandchildren. Every Christmas her vehicle was filled to overflowing with baked goods, food and presents as she headed out for her annual Christmas trek to Halifax.

Special thanks to the caring and dedicated staff at Alderwood Rest Home where she resided for the past two months. Also, we would like to acknowledge and thank her special friend, neighbour and caregiver Brian (Barney) McCarthy whose love, compassion, concern and caring made it possible for her to keep her independence and remain in her home for the past few years as her battle with dementia progressed.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place and funeral service will be held at Little Narrows Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 15 at 2 p.m. with Margie MacIntyre, LLWL officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com