Obituary of Helen Margaret MacRae

Helen Margaret MacRae (Bouchie) Age 91, Helen (Pictou) formerly of Island East River, Riverton and Abercrombie passed away peacefully on August 9, 2020. Born in New Glasgow she was the second oldest of fourteen children born to the late Steve and Emma (Gillis) Bouchie. While working in Stellarton, she met and married WW11 Veteran, Robert MacRae. They were married in 1949 and celebrated 63 years together before Bob’s passing in 2012. Helen and Bob led busy lives raising their eight children. Helen took a deep interest in each of her children’s lives as they grew and started families of their own. She remained the respected matriarch until the end. Helen also sold her delicious baked goods. Many orders for her much-loved porridge bread were filled each week. Helen was undaunted at the task of feeding big crowds, whether it was a family event, church gathering, or Airforce Club shindig. Helen was a past president and lifetime member of the Catholic Women’s League. She was a founding member of the Pictou County Food Bank and remained an active volunteer for 30 years. With her family mostly gone Helen went on to enjoy her years working at Zellers. Helen is survived by her children, Heather (late Ron) MacKinnon, Stellarton; Ian (Gail MacDougall), Bridgewater; Brian (Wendy),Pictou County; Jane (Don) Curry, Atlin, BC; Catherine, Truro; Brenda (DJ) Campbell, Churchville; David (Arlene)Lyons Brook; Peter (Veneta MacLeod), Stellarton. She was a dearly loved Gramma to fifteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Helen is predeceased by sisters, Stephanie Klainer; Jean D’Errico; Margaret MacGregor, Simone and infant sister Evelyn; brothers Robert, Gerard and Charlie. She is survived by sisters Louise Breton (Hamilton); Elizabeth Delaney (Moncton), Geraldine Kalinovich (Grimsby), Patricia Caudwell (Owen Sound), Marie Benjamin (Riverton). Helen was deeply respected and loved by her family and those who knew her well. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the staff of Maritime Oddfellows Home for their compassionate care, especially during the past difficult months of the pandemic. Due to COVID-19, visitation and mass is restricted to family members. Donations may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish or the Pictou County Food Bank. Online condolences may be made at: www.angusfuneralhomes.com