Obituary of Ora Florence Best

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Ora Florence (MacKay) Best, age 85, on May 18, surrounded by the love of her family. Ora was born on December 27, 1938, in the Bullpen in Stellarton. She was one of nine children to Lucy (Urquhart) and Francis “Frank” MacKay. She met and married Clarence “Bugs” Best and called the Red Row home for almost 50 years. In her early years, Ora kept herself busy with her family. She tended to many loved ones, including her mother. Ora was a member of the Stellarton Memorial Pipe band, who were the first to march across the grand opening of the Canso Causeway. She taught Sunday school at the Salvation Army and later worked for Elections Canada, priding herself on keeping current with local politics. Mom was the glue that held our family together. She was tough, strong-willed, and never shied away from an argument. Her love of her family spanned from getting after kids for raiding gardens to feeding her army on Christmas Eve. Through the generations, there was never a better toy than a can of soup or a better carnival ride than the old washing machine. Mom enjoyed playing cards with her kids and never felt bad for taking our money. She was an avid bowler on Monday and Thursday night ladies’ leagues at Heather Lanes in New Glasgow where many friendships were made and flourished over the decades. She never missed a baseball game and always loved a good night of Bingo. Mom had a special bond with each of her grandchildren, especially Jennifer and Cody. She was always sneaking them a few bucks for a treat at the store. Her love for her great-grandchildren was showered with giggles and gifts. Besides her parents, Ora was predeceased by her husband, Clarence “Bugs”; sons Clary and Geordie, and son-in-law Wally MacNeil; brothers Francis “Bud”, George, Everett; sisters Jenny, June, Jean and Lucy. She is survived by daughters Jennie MacNeil, Ann MacPherson (Brad); sons Francis (Debbie), David (Betty) and Robert (Rose); daughter-in-law Margie Best; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sister Mary. We want to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at the Glen Haven Manor for their care and compassion over the past five years. Visitation will take place on Monday May20th from 6-8 P.M. at the H. C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home in Stellarton, and from where funeral service will be held Tuesday May21st a 11 A.M. Major Daniel Roode officiating. Burial will be in the Brookside Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Mom’s memory to Whispering Tide at the Glen Haven Manor.