Obituaries

Delores Barbara Marie MacKenzie (Mason) – October 26, 2024

Delores(Del) MacKenzie, a gentle and courageous soul whose kindness touched all who knew her, passed away on October 26, 2024 , in the presence of her loving family.

When our father, Stanley passed away in June of this year, mom moved in with her sisters Marilyn, and Beverley, and niece Sherry in Portland Estates where she was treated like a Queen with the utmost kindness and love. During the past 5 months, the sisters reminisced about their early days growing up in Northend Halifax and they shared memories and laughs of their lives over the years.

Mom shared stories of skating on the Halifax Commons, working as a dipper at Moirs Chocolates (they say she was fast), and going to dances at the Olympic Gardens where she met Stanley. Mom loved to dance and even though Dad wasn’t much for dancing, Mom managed to dance up until she could no longer where heals. Over the years they lived on Chittick Avenue, John Cross Drive, and up until May of this year they had a beautiful apartment at Mount Royale Blvd, just off Baker Drive.

Mom’s 20’s were marked by her unwavering dedication to her family. Her role as a mother and homemaker went beyond her own household; she extended her care to her brother-in-law and father-in-law, enveloping them in the warmth of her attention and support. Mom’s love for her family was her guiding force, and it was reflected in every facet of her life. Her passion for cooking and baking was legendary. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, a place where aromas blended with laughter, and every dish was a masterpiece of love. She transformed simple ingredients into expressions of her affection, creating memories that her loved ones would savour long after the meals were gone. Growing up, kids from the neighborhood used to hang out with Gary and I just to get mom’s cookies!

Mom loved to garden, loved animals, and she loved clothes! It was important to Del to always look her best; dressed and made up with a flair for style and glamour. She was one of those people you could spot in a crowd, radiating beauty inside and out.

Mom was a strong woman and a bit of a medical miracle, having endured a series of Health issues since the age of 32. She survived a brain aneurysm in 1968, and she was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease in 1972. After only a year on dialysis she received the gift of life from her sister which gave her 37 wonderful years of excellent health. When her kidney failed, she had dialysis for the last 15 years of her life.

Delores is survived by son Gary, Daughter Brenda (Simone) , Sister Beverley Mason, (Michael) )Sister Marilyn Townsend, grandson Jason (Melissa), great granddaughter Maria and many nieces and nephews

She was predeceased by her husband (Stanley), Parents Dorothy and Murray Mason, Brother Harold (Mary) Mason, and Grandson Blake Neville.

Thank you to the Doctors, and Nurses, and all the staff at the Dialysis Unit at The Dartmouth General Hospital for your care and love for mom; you were her 2nd family. A special thank you to our Aunt’s Beverley and Marilyn and Cousin Sherry Smithers for welcoming mom into your home and spoiling her these last few months. Marilyn, thank you for giving mom all those extra years through your generous kidney donation.

Mom was an inspiration to us all, radiating strength and grace as she faced life’s challenges head on while continuing to have a great outlook. Even in her final days, she faced her challenges with a resilience that inspired all who were privileged to be by her side. She was a beacon of light in the lives of many, and her spirit will continue to guide and comfort those she has left behind.

Mom, I hope you dance, wherever you are.

Cremation has taken place, and A Celebration of life will be held for Delores and Stanley (Jan 4, 1929 - June 7, 2024) on Wednesday November 13th 11:30 -1:30pm at Brightwood Golf Club, 227 School Street Dartmouth.

Please consider giving the gift of life by being an organ donor – www.nshealth.ca – Legacy of Life.