Sydney
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Margie at the age of 75, whose valiant fight ended peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, An Calla Palliative Care Unit, Sydney, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on November 15, 1944 in Sydney Mines, Margie was the daughter of the late Joseph ‘Sylvine’ MacDougall and Sarah ‘Sadie’ MacNeil.
At an early age Margie travelled to Boston to model, only to move back to Sydney to become a nurse and later sell real estate. She eventually retired and spent quality time with her family and friends. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered as a true testament of inspiration and strength.
Margie is survived by her loving husband, John ‘Jack’ Carmichael; daughter, Marlene (Kevin) Ratchford; granddaughter, Tiffany Ratchford (Mylie Wilson); her pride and joy, great-grandson, Caleb; as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to her parents, Margie was predeceased by her brothers, Donald (Theresa) MacDougall, Francis ‘Rocky’ (Beverly) MacDougall, John MacDougall in childhood and infant sister who died at birth.
Margie lived for spending time with her family and friends whom she cherished dearly. Her hobbies included bingo, travelling, playing cards and weekly jam sessions. She also spent the last few years with her beloved friend Joey Collet, whom she adored and brought so much joy and happiness to her life.
We the family would like to take this time and extend special thanks to the wonderful staff of the CBRH palliative care unit and Dr. Ron McCormick who cared for Margie in her time of need.
As per Margie’s request cremation has taken place. Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Margie Carmichael will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier on Friday, February 7, 2020. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 3-5 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 5 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Light refreshments will take place in the funeral home reception area, following the service. Private family interment will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of Margie may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
So sorry for your loss Jack 🙁
From: The Paruch family
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone at this very sad time. RIP Margie
From: Josephine Mac Neil, Big Pond
Marlene and family. My sincerest condolences on the passing of your mom and grandmother . I have many fond memories of our early childhood in the pier . Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
From: Donnie Vincent
Sorry we cannot be with you at this very sad time! You now have an angel in Heaven to watch over all of you. Margie was a very good person to know, she will be missed as we visit Sydney from time to time at Lawrence and Lynn Brewer’s and our niece Michelle Brewer. Sincere sympathy . Rest in Peace Margie
From: Rose and Bosco Harkin
Sincere condolences to all of you at this difficult time. Margie was a lovely person and will be sorely missed. Love and prayers from Bill and Mary Crane
From: Mary Crane
So sorry for your loss.Our condolences to all & may you find comfort in your happy memories of Margie during this difficult time.RIP Margie
From: Arabelle & Alex Fougere
Tiffany, Mylie, Caleb, Marlene, Kevin We were very sad to hear of your grandmother ‘s passing. Having seen her recently we could see the love she had for you, your mom and your family and what an inspirational person she was. From the stories you shared over the years with us we know how much you loved her and the joy Caleb and you brought to her every day. May the love and memories of her comfort you, your mom and your family in the days ahead. Sending all of you our deepest condolences and love.
From: Joan and Philip
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of a very kind and special lady
I didn’t know her well but the times we met she radiated a special kindness aura
From: Lisa Barrett
So very sorry ,Margie was a beautiful lady , mother, grandmother,friend. She had an infectious personality, always kind, always sincere, and a genuine concern for others. She was a very strong women and those of us who knew her, were always amazed at the way she handled the adversity in her life. I never heard her complain ever! I am feeling very Blessed to have been part of her extended family. My prayer for you her family is that God will heal your hearts quickly but that your memories of her will last for ever. My prayer for her is that she is safe in the arms of her savior and happy for ever more.
Thank You
Marlene and family, so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. George and I are away right now and won’t be able to attend the service but know we are thinking of you and your family. Our sincerest condolences.
Thank You for the Condolences.
So sorry for your loss Jack 🙁
Margie was my first cousin, (Dad was her Mom’s oldest brother) and although we had not been close in our early years, my childhood friends included her two brothers Francis (Rocky) and Donnie. We had renewed contact following Rocky’s passing and used to visit her during hospital stays in Halifax. Had just read Obituary – also seen Thurs. weather forecast for our area, not good – rain/snow freezing rain/ice pellets – extending into Fri. -Cannot drive – Margie was a fighter, a great smile, good-natured, tough, a lovely woman. Glad we were friends. Will miss her. My sincere condolences – RIP
My deepest condolences to Margie’s family in the passing of such a very special person with a heart much bigger than herself, it was always very special time for me personally to be around Jack and Margie , they were and are very true friends.
Margie’s infectious smile, care and concern will certainly be missed but always remembered.
I am Gone:
You can shed tears because I am gone,
Or you can smile because I lived
You can close your eyes and pray that I will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see that I have left.
Your heart can be empty because you cant see me,
Or it can be full of what we shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday ,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember me and only that I am gone
Or you can cherish my memory and let it live on.
you can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what I would want you to do , smile, open your eyes and go on
my deepest condolences to the Carmichael Family , Margie was a very social person, who will be truly missed.
I am gone
You can shed tears because I am gone
Or you can smile because I lived.
you can close your eyes and pray that I will come back.
Or you can open your eyes and see that I have left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see me
Or it can be full of the love that we shared.
you can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember me that I am gone,
Or you can cherish my memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind , be empty and turn your back
or you can do what I would want you to do, smile, open your eyes and go on
From Mike and Sheila MacNeil cousins from Niagara Falls to your Mom. We are so sorry to hear if the passing of your Mom, our sincere condolences to Jack , Marlene and family. My brother Mike new your mother much longer than I but was able to meet your mom again in 2012 when Margie and Jack came to see our pipeband play in Antigonish. When she called out my name and I saw her face I knew immediately it was Margie. Often heard your mothers name mentioned when family stories were being shared. She is at peace now with her brothers and parents.