Obituary of Awilda MacCready

Awilda Joyce "Billy" MacCready Died peacefully at home in Bridgewater N. S. on April 19, 2001. Billy lived courageously with Cancer these past three years. Billy truly believed that life is a gift and she lived hers to the fullest. Billy was born in 1934 in Edson Alberta. She was the youngest of 10 Children born to Iva (Riggs) Brown and William Brown. Billy moved “East” in the early 1950’s where she met and married Phillip A. MacCready of St. Stephen NB. Billy and Phil raised 5 children in St. Stephen. Billy served as mayor of St. Stephen from 1986 to 1989. She worked for the Quoddy/Fundy Tourism initiative after her term as mayor ended. She enjoyed the opportunity to travel which this project gave her. Billy was involved in Sea Shell which promoted tourism in the Atlantic Provinces. She was a valued member of the Atlantic contingency for the ParticipAction Team in support of Canada’s 125th Anniversary. Billy moved to Bridgewater and established her own private home care business – Care Choices Inc. (1994 to present). Billy was instrumental in the establishment of the Association of Independent Heath Care Service of NS and was a member of the Nova Scotia Hospice and Palliative Care Association. Billy was a fierce advocate for change in the delivery of home care services for this province. Billy was involved with the initial committee which set up the Lunenburg County Community Health Board. Billy was well known and loved for her remarkable wit, sharp sense of humor and ease at making strong friendships wherever she lived. Billy loved to garden and cook, however she never missed a chance to eat out. Billy enjoyed the outdoors and especially the ocean. She was a great lover of animals. She was devoted to her family throughout her life and will be sadly missed. Billy found great comfort from her association with her Bridgewater United Church family these past few years and most special was her friendship with Judy and Ivan Norton. Billy was predeceased by her husband Phillip and her son Archie and by her sisters Edith, Pat, Nellie, and Helen. She is survived by her children John (Joann) MacCready, St. Stephen, NB; Gail (Michael) Oliver, Bridgewater, NS; Elizabeth (Brian) Mulvina, Saint John, NB; James (Kelly) MacCready, St. Stephen, NB; her grandchildren David and Sean MacCready; Joshua, Luke and Stephen Oliver; Sally Andrea and Jessie MacCready; her brothers and sisters George Brown, Kamloops, BC; Clarence Brown, Kelowna, BC; Dorothy Wharton, Enderby, BC; Louise McGuire, Edson, Alberta; Mae Ferrari, Anchorage, Alaska; many neices and nephews. The family would like to express it’s heartfelt thanks to Dr. David Abriel and Lunenburg County Palliative Care; Dr. Giselle Marier; Dr. Sally Jorgenson; Billy’s “hand-picked” Care Choices Team; the staff of South Shore Regional Hospital Surgery Floor and as well, thanks to all her special friends who filled her last days at home with love and laughter. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday in the Bridgewater United Church, Rev. Ivan Norton officiating. There will be another service held the Kirk-McColl United Church at St. Stephen, NB at a later date. Family flowers only. Memorial donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater.