Obituary of Eileen MacGillivray

NEW GLASGOW – Eileen Doris MacGillivray, 84, New Glasgow, formerly of Linacy, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in the Aberdeen Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by her family.

Born in New Glasgow, she was a daughter of the late Roland Langston and Elizabeth Muriel “Betty” (Johnstone) Fraser. In earlier years she was employed with the former Turn-A-Bout Restaurant, Linacy. She a proud employee of Hawker Siddeley and later, Trenton Works Lavlin Inc. and Trenton Works Ltd. (Greenbrier) where she was employed as switchboard operator for over 33 years.

She loved her brother Robert dearly and called him the “best brother in the world”. Eileen very much enjoyed their daily coffee get togethers and check ins. During her illness, her brother never missed a day offering countless hours of comfort and support. He certainly qualified as a Special Brother in “her books”.  While Eileen enjoyed spending time with all her sisters and brothers-in-law, she developed a special friendship with Barbie and Jane. Their nightly card games, routine road trips to Halifax and Truro, the daily critique of the latest episode of General Hospital were thoroughly enjoyed by Eileen.

Eileen enjoyed helping others and volunteered with the Aberdeen Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, John Howard Society, Nova Scotia Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Kidney Association. She received recognition from Canadian Blood Services for her numerous blood donations.

She was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church, Westville. Through faith, Eileen looked forward to her heavenly reunion with her son, Gerry, parents, and all loved ones who have gone before her. Her family are comforted in knowing that for Eileen, “Life has only changed; not ended!”

Surviving are husband, W. Ivan MacGillivray, Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow; sons, Ricky (Susan) MacGillivray, Merigomish; Gregg (Michelle) MacGillivray, Albany, P.E.I.; sister, Lois (Gerry) Linder, Victoria, B.C.; brother, Robert Fraser, Westville Road; grandchildren, Crystal , Bobbi-Sue (Daniel), Devin (Candace), Mitchell, Candice (Logan), Shay (Michaella), Darren (Stephanie), Makyia, Aaleyah and Lochlin; great-grandchildren, Halie, Jordan, Brooklyn, Nicholas, Ella, Benjamin, Cooper, Kylee, Hayden and Ellie; nieces and nephews, Robert (Janet) Fraser,  Tena (Robbie) White, Lisa (Ova) Moffatt  and Heath (Michelle) Bevan; grandnieces and nephews, Kyle, Chelsea and Jerry; great niece, Skyler; several cousins.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Gerald Rolland “Gerry” MacGillivray; sister-in-law, Tena Fraser; brother-in-law, Dick Bevan.

The family will receive visitors 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 17 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow.  Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 18 in Bethel Baptist Church, Westville with Rev. Robert Riggs officiating. Interment will be in Lorne Street Cemetery at a later date.

Donations may be made in memory of Eileen to Bethel Baptist Church, Westville.

Funeral service - livestreamed on Bethet Baptist Church Facebook - please click HERE