Obituary of Joan Marlene MacDougall

Joan Marlene (Brown) MacDougall It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, Joan Marlene (Brown) MacDougall of Abercrombie on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at the Aberdeen Hospital. Mom was born in Toronto, Ontario on the 27th of July 1934 and was the daughter of the late Herbert S. Brown and Jean Abernethy. She was a proud graduate of St Joseph’s School of Nursing, Toronto, class of ‘54. In 1955, she married Lawrence S. MacDougall in Toronto. After starting their family, they relocated to New Glasgow and later Abercrombie. Mom became actively involved in her community in many capacities. As a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish she was a longtime member and served as President of the CWL; she was also a member of the IODE, and former board member of both Pictou County VON and Summer Street Industries. Mom loved all sports in particular she was an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan. Mom was also a lifelong curling fan, and became involved at both the provincial and national levels, in addition to serving as President of the Bluenose Curling Club and President of Nova Scotia Ladies Curling. Soon after relocating to New Glasgow, Mom joined Bridge and Auction card clubs which led her to establishing lifelong friendships, most spanning over 50 years. Mom cherished these friendships and could often be found as driver of “the seniors van,” as the group of friends loaded up the van and embarked on road trips across the province. For Mom, family was everything. She especially looked forward to weekly Sunday suppers with her local family and video calling with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lived farther away. Joan was affectionately known as “Nanny Mac” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a devoted grandmother, attending countless concerts, sports games, and other activities they were involved in. Joan will be lovingly remembered by her children Dan, Abercrombie; Jim (Heather), Black Point; and son-in-law Alex (Jeanita) Gillis, Lyons Brook; grandchildren Christy (Jeremy) Walker, Jessica (Patrick) March, Marci (James) Day, and Maggie Gillis. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Alex, Chris, Teddy, Lily, and Jack; her sister Bev (Tom) Milliken, and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Lawrence, daughter Jo Anne Gillis, brother Raymond, and two daughters in infancy. She was also predeceased by her sister-in-law and close friend Muriel MacDougall with whom she shared so much. Joan’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and CCAs who have provided exceptional care to Mom over the last several years. In addition, we also wish to thank the nurses and doctors of the emergency room and 4-Medicine floor who cared for her during her final days. A private family funeral mass will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Father Barrett Clare-Johnson officiating. All are welcome to attend the graveside committal service at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at 12 noon on Monday, September 7. Masks will be required and social distancing guidelines must be followed. If desired, donations in her memory may be made to Pictou County VON. www.angusfuneralhomes.com