Obituary of Shirley Lillian MacKay

Shirley Lillian MacKay (MacLean) - It is with both profound sadness and immense gratitude that the family of Shirley Lillian MacKay (MacLean) announces her peaceful passing on Friday, October 10, 2025, at home in Union Square, Lunenburg Co., with family by her side. She was 95 years old, and every one of those beautiful years was a gift to those who knew her.

Shirley was born on December 6, 1929, to Eugene and Jessie (MacLean) MacLean, formerly of Head of St. Margarets Bay. She married Ira Leroy MacKay on August 30, 1947, in Upper Northfield, Lunenburg Co., and together they settled in the nearby community of Union Square, where she raised her children and spent the remainder of her life.

Shirley knew exactly what is most important in life: the people you love. Her family was everything to her. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and her love for them was part of every aspect of her life.

Through life’s ups and downs, she carried herself with strength and grace, never losing sight of what mattered most. Her home was always filled with photographs, treasured keepsakes and newspaper clippings — each one a testament to the pride she felt for her family and the memories she cherished. If it had anything to do with someone she loved, she kept it.

Shirley embodied the true meaning of a caregiver. She always put others first and gave of herself freely and without hesitation, never wanting or asking for anything in return. Her love was unconditional, her patience unwavering and her kindness endless.

She accepted people exactly as they were. She dealt with the kind of mischief that might ruffle others with a sly grin, a soft giggle and a sideways glance full of understanding and gentle humour. She never asked for anything but gave everything. Her joy came from seeing others happy, and she had a way of making everyone feel special. Whether it was with a warm meal or delicious treat, a thoughtful gesture or a listening ear.

Shirley found beauty in the little things and carried herself with quiet elegance. She loved a fresh hairdo, a touch of makeup and nail polish, a pretty outfit and a bit of sparkle. The latter two often found at Sears Bargain Basement or Guy’s Frenchys.

She was also a passionate gardener and baker, spending countless hours meticulously tending to her flower gardens or in the kitchen whipping up a masterpiece. Her cakes were works of art, shared at baby showers, christenings, birthdays, weddings and other special occasions, and her baked goods were unmatched. Family favourites included her doughnuts, cinnamon sugar pie crust pinwheels and brown sugar cookies with jam centres — each bite a taste of her love.

Shirley is survived by her three sons, John (Deborah), Richard (Don) and Larry (Cheryl); her daughter, Paulette (Scott); six grandchildren, Heather (Greg), Julie (Kelly), Matthew (Mellissa), Terese (Neil), Melanie (Barry) and Tanner (Jade); and 14 great-grandchildren, Katie, Vicki, Keallach, Lachlan, Ailie, Cian, Jacob, Jackson, Laila, Wesley, Wyatt, Sawyer, Lailynn and Rowan.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by 16 siblings, her eight brothers, Lloyd, Dewey, Donald, Stanley, Howard, Billy, Harold and Malcolm; and four sisters, Amy, Della, Gladys and Winifred; as well as Harry, George, Lewis and Leilla in infancy. She was also predeceased by her husband, Ira; daughter, Susan; son, David; partner, Don MacLeod; and son-in-law, Scott Sarty.

As per Shirley’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. A private family interment will take place in Hillside Cemetery, Upper Northfield with Rev. Victoria Featherston officiating. No flowers please. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, VON Lunenburg Co., Canadian Red Cross or Health Services Foundation of the South Shore – Palliative Care.

Shirley’s family will carry her memory with love and gratitude, forever thankful for the years they shared with her. To honour her, we invite you to do what she did best: show kindness, love deeply and cherish the people around you.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 4895 Highway 10, New Germany, where on-line condolences and messages may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.