87, Sydney

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great- grandmother Marguerite ‘Margie’ Hartigan, 87, Sydney who died of a broken heart on Sunday, March 10, 2013 in An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Margie is now with the love of her life of 66 years, Tommie, who passed away one month ago on Feb.10, 2013. They met as teenagers, and were married in Holy Redeemer Church on May 28, 1946. They are now together forever.

Born in Boston, Mass. on Sept. 15, 1925, Margie was the daughter of the late John Joe and Mayme (Jackson) Gillis, and moved to Sydney at the age of 2 years.

The passion of Margie’s life was to nurture her family and friends, especially the many children who she so enjoyed pampering. Margie, in her younger years worked as a telephone operator and in later years took great pride in being housemother to some of the Cape Breton Metro Hockey players. She also enjoyed working as a chauffeur with the Red Cross Society.

Many of our best memories are of summers spent at the cottage in Johnson’s Harbour with family and friends, especially with Margie cooking lobsters, hotdogs and making devilled eggs for everyone at the bonfires. For the family, playing cards with Margie and Tommie on Thursday nights was a fun night that will always be cherished.

Margie will be dearly missed by her daughters, Dale (Tony) Orychock and Kathy (Jim)MacKillop, both of Sydney; son, Robbie (Lisa) Hartigan, Bedford; daughter-in-law, Brenda (Bernie)Hanratty, Sydney; grandchildren, Scott ( Jennifer) Orychock, Bedford, Lisa (Jamie) Whytewood, Miramichi, NB ,Ryan (Tracey)Hanratty, Sydney, Connor and Liam Hartigan, both of Bedford; step-grandchildren, Gina MacKillop, Edmonton, and Jamie MacKillop, Quebec; great- grandchildren, Lucas, Kyle and Eric Orychock and Hanna Whytewood; and step-great-grandson, Rhys Hanratty. She is also survived by brother, Johnny Gillis; sister, Colleen Johnston; and brother-in-law, Harry Tobin. Margie is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and she will be especially missed by nieces, Colleen Tobin and Evelyn Sutherland who spent many hours at the family home. Also left to miss her are the children she nannied, the MacDonald children, Heather, Sheilah and I.J. Margie will be greatly missed by the canine family members, Maggie and Holly.

Besides her parents and husband, Margie was predeceased by her son, Donnie; and son-in-law, Jim MacKillop; sisters, Laurie McCarron and Bonnie Tobin; brothers-in-law, Jimmie McCarron and Danny Johnston; sister-in-law, Mary Margaret Gillis; the Hartigan brothers-in-law, Gerald, Lawrence, Paddy and Johnny; and sisters-in-law, Bride Hartigan, Florence Mahoney, Irene Frost and Rita Muise.

Visitation for the late Margie Hartigan will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Wednesday , Mar. 13, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass to celebrate Margie’s life will take place on Thursday, Mar. 14, 2013, at 11 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the mass, reception will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at a later date in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

Donations in memory of Margie may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County or Bereaved Families of Cape Breton.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Send an online condolence.

    

                        Online Condolences

Dear Dale, Cathy, Robbie, Colleen, Johnny and families So very sorry to hear about your Mom’s/Sister’s passing. To loose two parents in such a short time, but to know that they are both together, as they always were, must bring some relief to you all. Our sympathy and condolences are with you all.
From:  Kevin and Natalie

Cathy, Dale &Family, My condolences on the passing of your mother.
From:  Chuck Drohan

Dale and Cathy; My thoughts are with you and your families at this most difficult time of loss and transition.
From:  Heather Skinnner

Dale..Thinking of you as you lay your Mom to rest…Take Good Care.
From:  Ann Marie Fraser

So sorry to hear about the death of your beloved Mom and Grandmother.Please accept our condolences and prayers.
From:  Conrad &Maria Macneil &Family

Dear Dale, I am one of the Pier MacDougalls from James St. I am a sister to Mary Kenney, Carmella, Aeo, Sam, Rod, etc. I saw Margie 3 yrs ago after Rod died and Mary was invited to the celebration of your parents wedding. I am sorry for your loss and that it is so soon following the death of your father. They were a loving couple, I remember them when they were dating. And I am the youngest of the MacDougalls! I am sure her heart was broken without your father. Be assured they are both within the loving heart of God. Together forever. Be of God. Promise of prayers.
From:  Sister Olga MacDougall

I am very sorry to hear about your great loss Dale and my heart goes out to you and your family.
From:  Anne Everett

Robbie,Kathy and Dale, Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was something special. Paul, Eileen and I were talking of the "GOOD" memories and times with our families.I always remember going to your house once a week selling the green hospital tickets. They were $ .25 each but I’m sure your mom thought they were $ .25 plus a sweet (cookie ) of some sort. I always had a bite on the bike ride back to the Pier Thinking of you all.
From:  Cousin Frank (Donna) Hartigan

Dale and Family, My deepest sympathies on the death of your mother and on your Dad’s recent passing. Your loss is great and I will keep you in my prayers as you grieve. Much peace to you and yours.
From:  Jean Cameron Proctor formerly of 108 St Ann’s Street in the Pier

Dale and family it makes me very sad to know of your loss but there is peace in my heart knowing they are together.
Take care of you; Diane, Greg and Maureen Pottie

To Kathy, Dale and to all the Hartigan Family Please accept our sincere condolences at this very sad time. Our prayers are with you all.
From:  Sylvia & Andre

Jack and I offer our condolences to Margie’s very large and loving family. I treasure the days we spent down at "the harbour" under Margie’s watchful eye and in the midst of those wonderful families. We were all blessed then and we ask continued blessings for all of you.
From:  Peggy (Johnston) Ouellette