FINDLAY, Marie Isabelle

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Marie Isabelle Findlay, 94, at the Magnolia in Enfield. Born in Indian Point on July 18, 1928, Mom was a proud South Shore girl. Petite, feisty and funny, she left home in her early teens to work at Moirs Chocolate Factory in Halifax. She met a handsome Dartmouth boy, Ronald Findlay, at a house party and thus began a happy union that lasted 48 years until Dad’s death in 1997. Mom and Dad were among the first families to build in Woodlawn in Dartmouth. Mom was employed at grocery stores, the K-mart and at one point she and Dad ran a corner store in Woodside. Both our parents left school early to help support their families and worked tirelessly over the years so that we could have opportunities they never had. Times were tight, although as children we never realized just how much they sacrificed for us. Their philosophy was you lived within in your means. Despite working full time, Mom made sure the house was always clean, meals were on the table and homemade bread and other baked goods were always on offer. The smells of her chows, jams and jellies is a cherished memory. Her creative talents were in evidence throughout the house. Quilts and hooked rugs were practical and beautiful. Family members were grateful recipients of her lovely knitted sweaters, hats, scarves and mitts. Our parents loved animals and had several cats and dogs over the years. It was so nice that the Magnolia’s resident cat would often be found curled up on Mom’s bed. She also played cards, was an avid bowler with Dad, and enjoyed her nights out at the Dartmouth Sportsplex Bingo. Mom is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Leonard Macphee); son, Paul (Carmela); sister-inlaw, Viola Atkinson; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Alice (Wentzell) and Stephen Eisnor; her devoted husband, Ronald James Findlay; sister, Thelma Geraldine “Diddy” Holman; brothers, Charles and Harold “Hank” Eisnor; and sister, Rachel in infancy. The family would like to thank Rosecrest Communities for their exceptional care of our mother, both at Ivy Meadows, Beaver Bank, for 3 years, and at the Magnolia, where she resided for the past 7 years. To Dr. Young and the entire team at the Magnolia we are so grateful for your compassionate and professional care of our mother. You treated her as family and she was very happy there. We are also grateful to Pastor Andrew Cooke of the Lutheran Church of our Saviour, Dartmouth. Our parents were founding members of the church and it played a strong role in our lives. Family graveside service was held January 26 in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Bide Awhile animal shelter in Dartmouth. Remembrances of Marie and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com