Obituary of Barbara MacKenzie

Itis with profound sadness we announce the passing of Barbara Elizabeth Mackenzie (Neal). After a lengthy battle with numerous health issues, Barb passed away peacefully Saturday May 30, 2020 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital. Born in Belleville, Ontario; she was the middle child of William Earl and Elsie Margarite Neal (Neale). Having grown up in Bonarlaw and Marmora, Barb enrolled at the Ontario Hospital-Kingston nursing program graduating in 1962 as a registered nurse. She began her career working at Kingston Psychiatric Hospital where she met her eventual husband. Upon moving to Nova Scotia in 1976, she worked at the Children’s Training Center in Pictou, working with mentally challenged children until her retirement in 1996. Barb will always be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt and all around kind soul. While her career involved working with disadvantaged children, she let her love for children show in all aspects of her life. From being the neighborhood hangout when we were kids, to running the “Do Drop Inn” for all of our friends when we were teenagers, she never turned anyone away. Her giving spirit didn’t stop with just her home. Whether it was the Ladies Auxilliary for the West River Fire Department, Boy Scouts/Girl Guides of Canada, or St. John Ambulance; Barb was always giving of her time and energy. Even in her later years as she used her knitting skills to make annual donations of hats for newborns to the Maternity Ward and hats and mittens for Tearmann House. Barb was pre-deceased by her husband Roderick MacKenzie 1981; and sister Mary King (Neal) 2015. She is survived by children Margaret (Martin), Edmonton; Bill (Alison), Scotsburn, granddaughter “Mini Boss” Quinn; Sister Wenda Quackenbush (Neal) Saltsprings; Step Children Cathy Kehoe, Ontario; Wendy French (Roy), Edmonton; Russell MacKenzie Ontario; Lois Revelle (Ron), Ontario; Clarice Smith (Gary), Ontario; Rose Hickey (Ed), Ontario; numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren and lifelong friend of 60 years Marie Fisher (Peters). Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no graveside service at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or the Pictou Dialysis Unit.