White Point
January 3, 1942 – September 19, 2024
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Marguerite Dunphy, a cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, and friend who left us peacefully on September 19, 2024.
Marguerite, known affectionately as Mom, Nanny, and Aunt Marg, was an easygoing, fun, witty soul who brought laughter and joy to everyone she met.
Marguerite is survived by her children, beloved daughter, Joanne McKenzie (Ben); son, Russell Dunphy, and Rose Dunphy-Brown (Liam); grandchildren, Avery, Adrianne, Ryan, Melissa, Travis, Mallory, and Aidan; step-grandchildren, Kathleen and Megan; great-grandchildren, Oaklyn, Rowan, Henry, Penny, Alex, Sloane and great-step-grandchildren, Keira, Kole, and Finnley; sisters, Marie, and Rita (Ronnie); sisters-in-law, Myrtle, Kaye, and all of her nieces and nephews who were very dear to her.
Marguerite is predeceased by her husband, Cyril, who she was devoted to for sixty years of marriage; parents, Mary Ellen “Nellie” (Myers) and Harold Naugle Sr.; her brothers, Harold (Isabelle), Pat, Steve (Glennie) Mort; and sisters, Josephine (Stan) and Nora (John); brothers-in-law, Edison, and Alexander (Mable); sisters-in-law, Julie (Harold), Emma (Johnny), and Diane (Jim); nieces, Janie, Patricia and Holly, and nephews, Christopher, Joey and David.
Born in Eastern Passage, she was the baby from a family of nine children, she embraced life with an adventurous spirit. Mom was a highly motivated and hard worker who wore many hats. She owned and managed “Marg’s Grocery” for thirteen years in Eastern Passage while raising us, later moving to her husband’s native White Point, Cape Breton Island, where they operated Two Tittle Bed & Breakfast successfully for thirty-two years.
She warmly welcomed guests from all over the world, many of whom kept in touch over the years, becoming life-long friends. She was fondly known as “mom” while she worked as a staff cook at The Keltic Lodge in Ingonish. Her kindness extended significantly to the elderly and those with disabilities during her early career as a nursing assistant at Ocean View Manor and later in her work at Highland Visions Society.
She shared countless joyful times hosting and attending lively card games in the community and at the kitchen table with her husband Cyril and friends Kevin, Danny, Bert and Marion.
Mom had a deep appreciation for nature. She often spent her time gardening, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful landscapes of her home in White Point. Mom enjoyed knitting, crocheting, ceramics, cooking and baking; we will especially miss her cherry cheesecake. For many years, she was a dedicated Catholic Women’s League member and a Eucharistic Minister.
Her legacy of honesty, love, laughter, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Mom came from a different time; she was a big advocate of not wasting resources and making do with what we have. Although life was not always easy for Mom, she made the best of things, embodying that tough times don’t last; tough people do.
We want to thank the homecare staff who assisted Mom in the earlier stages of her health challenges. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated and very caring staff at Highland Manor. Also, thanks to the residents for the companionship they shared with Mom.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Highland Manor in Marguerite’s memory.
Please join us in celebrating Marguerite’s life with a visitation on Wednesday, September 25th, from 6-8 p.m. and a funeral service on Thursday, September 26th, at 2 p.m., both at St. Joesph’s Catholic Parish Church in Dingwall. Father Jonas will officiate, assisted by nephew, Deacon Gordon Mackinnon.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
“In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there.”
Online Condolences
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Thinking of you all during this time .. another of the family chain is broken till reunited again . She was such a lovely lady and my mom’s cousin
I am filled with sadness. I thought Aunt Marg would live much longer. She was always so strong, so funny, so caring. She was our go to as little kids and held a cherished position in our family. Although I didn’t see a lot of her in recent years I would always visit her when In the area, and it was like no time has passed. Thinking of Marg’s family and those that loved her. Rest well sweet lady. ❤️❌⭕❤️
My favourite aunt from way up North. Please save me the seat between you and my favourite mother.
Thinking about all of you. So sorry for the loss of your mom. May you cherish all the good memories of her. Xo
Auntie Marg was the first aunt I remember knowing was my aunt, she always had a smile and brought one out in you.In my younger years, she was the aunt who would challenge you to a funny face contest, and make you feel so proud by declaring you the winner.Auntie Marg loved to share stories of her own childhood and the antics of her siblings.,and we loved hearing them.She will be so missed and forever remembered.❤️
Bennie and Jo,
What a beautiful tribute this obit is to your Mom, I bet she was smilin’ down on you as she read it.
I think of the store and Marg’s kindness when I drive by the old house … I’m sure someday soon it will make way for somethin’ new, but the memory will always be there.
May your memories and stories keep your Mom close and honour her.
[Big hugs]
A kind and loving and incredible woman Aunt Marg was for sure. I’m sad to the core at her passing but I know for certain she is in heaven and receiving the reward of her life, her faith and her hard work. May she rest in eternal peace.
Sorry to hear of the passing of a lovely human. I worked with Margaret at the Celtic Lodge and she’s someone you would always remember for kindness and just being a really nice person. She certainly well remembered and my sympathies go out to her family at this sad time.
So sorry for your loss to your whole family Joanne.
May your mom rest in peace
Our condolences to the family sorry for your loss hugs to you all
besides loosing a auntie,, i also lost my god,, mommy,,heaven gained a angel,,hugs,,newhew lloyd,,on da rock,,, hugs
Much love to all of you at this difficult time. Marg was a favorite family member of mine growing up. She always shared life lessons with me as a newly wed. Always a woman with so much humor and wisdom. As I write this I can actually hear her laugh and see her smile. RIP dear Marguerite, send me a laugh or two from time to time.
My deepest condolences to all of Marguerite’s family, she worked in my dad’s store (Doyle’s Grocery) and she was
kind and very funny, and we shared many laughs. A beautiful lady may she leave you with lots of happy memories that will keep her close to your heart.
Thinking of Aunt Marg,whom I’ve known most of my life. From babysitting for her, when the kids were young. To visiting her and Cyril ,always in there beloved White Point.
Playing 58 with them in there beautiful home on the water. She was a loving beautiful person, and a strong woman that did many things that made me totally respect her. When I last seen her in the nursing home she made me laugh. Still very smart. And that last memory of her was really good, I love you Margaurite,and I miss you forever. But I know you’re happy inheaven with A loving God and all of your deceased loved ones. And sad for the ones left behind like Loving Joanne and her family Everybody is just wonderful , because of your guidance. So glad to have loved you and always will. Your Theresa.
Condolences to all.
❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏Marguerite an eternity of peace and contentment.
You deserve it.
My love to all
Diane
So sorry to hear about your mother.And grandmother I loved working with her.She was a wonderful person.She be missed by all
It was an honor to be part of her life! My condolences to the family, she will be missed!
We are very sorry to hear about Marguerite’s passing. She was a lovely person with a kind heart and great friend to Marion and I. Sincere sympathy from Bert and family.
My Dear Aunt, you were such a gentle and wonderful person. I have so many happy memories of all the aunts getting together and oh the laughter, I can close my eyes and hear it to this day. I think my best memory of you Auntie was the twinkle in your eye and the little smirk you had, like you knew something the rest of us didn’t know. I will miss you but I will remember you with a smile and lots of love! Your niece, Elizabeth
Dearest Favorite Auntie.
We all loved you like a mother. May you rest in peace. We will remember you always, and smile when we think of you!
Love,
Your Favorite Nephew,
Stevie Tilley
P.S. All the other cousins think they were your favorite but you and I will always know the truth.
Condolences to Marguerite’ s children and their families..will miss you but you will never be forgotten..rest in peace, my friend.
to all the family our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go to you all at this time. I remember the canteen in my younger years and I was fortunate to visit Marguerite a few years ago while at Ingonish. She was a good person and her sense of humor never left her no matter how life treated her. She certainly lived life on life’s terms. May she RIP Peace love & Blessings Janet & Rocky Penny
Thank you for all the beautiful condolences. I love how Mom touched so many people with her sunny disposition.
I miss Mom’s smile and her fun and wit. Her love, I still feel and will hold on to forever.