Frances MacKay

Frances (Gerard) Mackay, 91, of Dominion went to be with her heavenly father on March 2, 2025, and was surrounded by her loving family at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital.

 Frances was born in New Waterford to Julia Bennett and Louis Gerard but was raised by her grandfather Daniel Gerard. Daniel, despite the recent loss of his sight and not knowing what to expect in raising a little girl, welcomed her with open arms. This is when a profound bond was formed between the two; looking after each other, helping one another with shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Growing up in this environment provided the foundation to creating a strong, determined woman.

 After some time, Daniel fired Doris Mackenzie of Sydney Mines to help raise Frances. Doris moved, with her son Allan Mackay, to Dominion to be closer to her job. As Frances became more independent, Doris slowly retired from the home care field, and shortly after, Frances’ grandfather passed away.

 This transition brought her to Glace Bay in seek of work, which was necessary to survive as a young girl on her own. There, she was hired at the Video Sweet Restaurant where she developed long lasting friendships; like with Molly Moffatt, where they bonded over listening to young Elvis Presley on the radio. Later in Frances’ teenage years, she worked for the General Hospital in Glace Bay where she was able to showcase her relentless work ethic and her compassion for others by preparing, delivering, and feeding meals to patients. While working at the hospital, Frances gained more valuable friendships with Mildred Sheppard and Louise Budden. Frances loved spending time with her girls, sharing stories, having a cup of tea and a good laugh.

 Frances was an ambitious woman, always looking for more work to make a better life for herself. After a visit with her close friend, Doris Mackenzie, she had a job opportunity in housekeeping arise. This is where Allan Mackay and Frances reconnected and fell in love. Soon after, Allan and Frances got married and started a family. With marrying Allan, Frances gained two sisters-in-law; June Harris and Joan MacKenzie; and a niece Celia Boutilier; who she dearly cared about. Allan and Frances’ family grew with little ones while she simultaneously worked for the residents of Dominion in housekeeping for four decades.

 Frances was actively involved in her religious community and devoted to help the Lord, just as she did with everyone else. Frances attended Chalmers United Church in Dominion where she was part of the UCW committee to help prepare and cook meals for church gatherings and fundraisers. This is where her special friendship with Joan Jarrott began. In her later years, she devoted herself to the Church of Good Sheppard in Dominion. Frances enjoyed baking, playing cards, having tea with the girls, and spending quality time with her family. She was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back if someone needed it.

 Frances was a patient and resilient woman that fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was a resident at Seaview Manor for the last three years. The family would like to extend their appreciation and thanks to the staff of the Seaview Manor in Glace Bay, Glace Bay Hospital, and Frances’ special girl, Joy Sampson.

 Frances is survived by her loving children Josie Dacheau (Dale), Jimmy Mackay, Anne MacDonald (Joe), Allan Mackay, Judy Bruffato, Mary-Frances Folsetter (Logan), Loretta Mackay, Alex Mackay (Raylene), and William Mackay (Nanette); nine grandchildren, Aliesje O’Neill (Sean), Nicole MacKay, Bethany Mackay, Chad Brufatto, Erica Brufatto, Josh Veenvliet, Calvin Veenvliet, Jeremy Veenvliet, and Renee Aucoin (David); and five great grandchildren Andrew, Gracie, Abbey, Noah, and Benjamin. Frances was a selfless and compassionate woman who brought a smile to many faces. She cared for every person she encountered and embraced everyone as family, especially “one of her boys” Newfie.

 Frances was predeceased by her husband, Allan Mackay; mother, Julia Bennett; and best friends, Rita Daley and Edna Daye.

 A funeral service at the Church of Good Sheppard in Dominion will be held March 6th from 2:30 – 4:30 PM and a light luncheon to follow. Cremation has taken place at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens where burial will happen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Church of Good Sheppard.