With love and appreciation for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Marjorie Florence (MacAulay) Jeans.

Marjorie was born in Millville, Cape Breton, the oldest of four children. A proud Cape Bretoner, she shared fond memories of growing up on the family farm and always held Boularderie Island close to her heart.

After attending Millville school and graduating from Sydney Academy, Marjorie began her teaching career in a rural one-room school house at age 16. Upon reaching the minimum age of enrollment the following year, Marjorie then studied at Normal College to complete her Teaching Certification. She subsequently taught at Mount Thom and Greenwood in Pictou County, where she met Everett Jeans. She and Everett married in 1956 and lived happily for many years in Sutherland’s River, where they raised two girls and two boys.

As their children reached school age, Marjorie returned to teaching, with a new focus on educational programming for children with special needs. She became Supervisor of Special Education for Pictou County, collaborating with like-minded educators across the province until her retirement in 1988. In retirement she returned to education once more, taking university courses that interested her such as Gaelic studies, history, and art. With encouragement from one of her professors, she began to take additional credits with a view toward completing a degree, and eventually obtained her B.A. in History from St.F.X. University in 2005. 

Marjorie had many interests and hobbies including travelling with Everett, painting, reading, studying history & local cemeteries, Gaelic studies, MacAulay family genealogy, spending time with loved ones, and preparing some wonderfully adventurous and (mostly) delicious meals. For her age she was an early adopter of the computer, which she used in her degree for research and for writing papers, and also for genealogy. In her retirement years no cryptoquote, sudoku, or crossword puzzle was a match for her; she was always ready for a challenge involving words, pen & paper. In her later years she also took great pride in the various achievements of her grandchildren.

In her retirement especially, she was generous with her time and talents as a volunteer. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, the Atlantic Missionary Society, the Pictou County Historical Society, Summer Street Industries, IODE, Women Alike Breast Cancer Survivors, and was a longtime registrar for Camp Geddie.

Marjorie was predeceased by her loving husband Everett, her parents Annie and Dan Allan MacAulay, brother Mervyn MacAulay, sisters-in-law Donna MacAulay, Betty MacLeod, Sharon Crawford, and Nancy Osborne. Marjorie is survived by children Aulayne Jeans-Mingo (Don), Beth Laureijs (Peter), Donald, and Alasdair Jeans; grandchildren Aleisha, Ria, and Andrew Laureijs, Christy, Katie, and Sarah Mingo, and Becki Mingo-Seamon; siblings Douglas MacAulay, Gladys MacLean (Roy), sisters-in-law Carol MacAulay and Shirley Morgan, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

Marjorie’s family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to her caregivers - those who supported her at home and more recently at Ivey’s Terrace in Trenton. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to Dr. MacLean, Dr. Elliot, & Dr. Eriakha.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 19th, 2-4 p.m. at Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service will be Monday, April 20th, 11 a.m. at Union Presbyterian Church in Thorburn. Reception to follow. Family flowers only; In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Summer Street Industries, Aberdeen Health Foundation, or charity of your choice.