Mary Charlene MacIntosh

Mary Charlene MacIntosh (Dena), 75 of Sydney NS, passed away peacefully at McGillivray Guest Home on July 13, 2025, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 57 years, Cornelius MacIntosh and her four children, Fredrick Cornelius (Amanda), Donald Joseph (Karen), Mary Alice and William Gerard; grandchildren, Matthew Crane-Hudson, Isabelle, Molly, Stephanie, Joshua, Jordan and Kyle and one great grandchild Cameron Thomson. She is also survived by her sister, Anne Gillis, 77 of Sydney NS. She leaves behind many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Roy Orien March and Mary Martha; siblings, Donald Joseph, William Gerard, Genevieve and Judith.

Mary grew up in the town of Glace Bay NS where she met her husband, Cornelius (Connie) MacIntosh. On July 29, 1968 at the Holy Cross Parish in Glace Bay NS they exchanged their wedding vows. They persevered through the ups and downs couples experience and grew stronger; together. Cornelius considers Mary his first and only love and refers to her as “My Mary.”

Mary enjoyed going to dances in her early days. She and Cornelius would put their dancing shoes on and boogie the night away. Mary had a passion for bingo, especially winning. Mary’s oldest son, Fredrick (Fred) recalls the first time he went to bingo with his mother. Fred wanted to go to find out why his mother really enjoyed it, so one night he asked to go. He remembers playing one card and hearing the number he was waiting for being called. He won $50 and was so excited but being so young, roughly 10 or 11 he didn't get to keep it, which was very disappointing. Sometimes we forget money isn’t everything, spending quality time together and making memories with loved ones is far more valuable.

Donald (Donnie) always enjoyed the conversations he had with his mother. He will miss the advice she would give but most of all, hearing her voice.

Family get-togethers for holidays and any occasion delighted Mary, especially when they included her son William (Bubby) surprising her by travelling from Ontario. He would never let anyone know when he was arriving. He loved to see the expression on his mother’s face, especially her smile that radiated when she saw him. Her grandson, Jordan would travel from New Glasgow to spend the holidays with his grandparents.

They would have Christmas dinner and many laughs as well. Jordan was very close to Mary and considered her more than a grandmother.

The only daughter, Mary Alice reconnected with her mother after many years; a decision she does not regret. Alice will miss her visits with her mother and will cherish the fact that she had the opportunity to tell her mother how much she loved her. Time heals all wounds, so they say.

Mary was described as a firecracker and a fighter through and through. In her final days, she lived up to that description and fought till the end. She was always strong willed, some say stubborn but that was due to her wanting the best for all and her big heart.

We the family, would like to thank the staff at McGillivray Guest Home for taking care of Mary. She made many friends which made her stay more enjoyable. We would also like to thank friends and family who reached out with condolences and well wishes.

In keeping with the wishes of Mary there will be no funeral services.