LAKE, Aggie
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Aggie Lake at the An Cala unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, on Sunday, September 10, 2017.
Raised in Ashby, she was the chosen daughter of the late Malcolm and Margaret (Kennedy) MacNeil.
She and her devoted husband, Howie, spent most of their 58 years of marriage living in Coxheath. As soon as the weather started to get warm, Aggie couldn’t wait to get to the bungalow in Big Pond. Whether she was wowing everyone with her graceful swimming, enjoying her grandchildren’s visits to “Nanny’s Pond“or watching Buddy chase rabbits, Aggie was happiest there when she was surrounded by her family and friends. She taught all her grandchildren and many of their friends to swim, skate and be thankful for good times.
Known to many as “Mary Agnes Margaret Theresa from Ottawa Brook”, her quick wit, musical talents, and outgoing personality enabled her to light up any room. “Nanny” was well known for making the best homemade bread, Rice Krispie squares and strawberry jam. She would often burst into song, sometimes golden oldies or a tune she just made up. Aggie enjoyed entertaining with the Memory Lane singers, Ukulele Strummers, Club 55 Rhythm Band and other musical groups. She went on many musical tours with Anna McGoldrick and often performed with her. Aggie was also a member of the Coxheath Skaters, Spanish River Seniors Club and Club 55.
In recent years, Aggie and Howie lived in Parkland, where she continued to enjoy her active social life.
Aggie is survived by her husband, Howie; daughter, Wanda Gillis; son, Howard (Kim); grandchildren, David (Meagan), Lorna (Mark), Kaitlin (Liam), Jonathan, Matthew, and several nieces and nephews. She was also “Best Nan” to greatgranddaughters, McKenna and Everly.
Aggie was predeceased by her siblings, Kay (Earl) Ransome and Neil MacNeil, and her sonin-law, Lorne Gillis.
In keeping with Aggie’s wishes, there will be no visitation. The funeral service will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, September 13 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Thomas Whent officiating.
Donations in Aggie’s memory can be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or a charity of choice
As Nanny would always say, “See ya later alligator, after ‘while crocodile, toodle-oo kangaroo, see ya soon raccoon, love ya!” xoxo
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www. sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ ns.sympatico.ca.