White Point, NS
January 3, 1942 – September 19, 2024
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Marguerite Dunphy, a cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, and friend who left us peacefully on September 19, 2024.
Marguerite, known affectionately as Mom, Nanny, and Aunt Marg, was an easygoing, fun, witty soul who brought laughter and joy to everyone she met.
Marguerite is survived by her children, beloved daughter, Joanne McKenzie (Ben); son, Russell Dunphy, and Rose Dunphy-Brown (Liam); grandchildren, Avery, Adrianne, Ryan, Melissa, Travis, Mallory, and Aidan; step-grandchildren, Kathleen and Megan; great-grandchildren, Oaklyn, Rowan, Henry, Penny, Alex, Sloane and great-step-grandchildren, Keira, Kole, and Finnley; sisters, Marie, and Rita (Ronnie); sisters-in-law, Myrtle, Kaye, and all of her nieces and nephews who were very dear to her.
Marguerite is predeceased by her husband, Cyril, who she was devoted to for sixty years of marriage; parents, Mary Ellen “Nellie” (Myers) and Harold Naugle Sr.; her brothers, Harold (Isabelle), Pat, Steve (Glennie) Mort; and sisters, Josephine (Stan) and Nora (John); brothers-in-law, Edison, and Alexander (Mable); sisters-in-law, Julie (Harold), Emma (Johnny), and Diane (Jim); nieces, Janie, Patricia and Holly, and nephews, Christopher, Joey and David.
Born in Eastern Passage, she was the baby from a family of nine children, she embraced life with an adventurous spirit. Mom was a highly motivated and hard worker who wore many hats. She owned and managed “Marg’s Grocery” for thirteen years in Eastern Passage while raising us, later moving to her husband’s native White Point, Cape Breton Island, where they operated Two Tittle Bed & Breakfast successfully for thirty-two years.
She warmly welcomed guests from all over the world, many of whom kept in touch over the years, becoming life-long friends. She was fondly known as “mom” while she worked as a staff cook at The Keltic Lodge in Ingonish. Her kindness extended significantly to the elderly and those with disabilities during her early career as a nursing assistant at Ocean View Manor and later in her work at Highland Visions Society.
She shared countless joyful times hosting and attending lively card games in the community and at the kitchen table with her husband Cyril and friends Kevin, Danny, Bert and Marion.
Mom had a deep appreciation for nature. She often spent her time gardening, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful landscapes of her home in White Point. Mom enjoyed knitting, crocheting, ceramics, cooking and baking; we will especially miss her cherry cheesecake. For many years, she was a dedicated Catholic Women’s League member and a Eucharistic Minister.
Her legacy of honesty, love, laughter, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Mom came from a different time; she was a big advocate of not wasting resources and making do with what we have. Although life was not always easy for Mom, she made the best of things, embodying that tough times don’t last; tough people do.
We want to thank the homecare staff who assisted Mom in the earlier stages of her health challenges. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated and very caring staff at Highland Manor. Also, thanks to the residents for the companionship they shared with Mom.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Highland Manor in Marguerite’s memory.
Please join us in celebrating Marguerite’s life with a visitation on Wednesday, September 25th, from 6-8 p.m. and a funeral service on Thursday, September 26th, at 2 p.m., both at St. Joesph’s Catholic Parish Church in Dingwall. Father Jonas will officiate, assisted by nephew, Deacon Gordon Mackinnon.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
“In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there.”
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