MACINNIS, Frances Joy
Howie Center
Peacefully, with family by her side, Frances Joy Mac Innis passed on November 4, 2017, at 70 years of age. In this time of great sadness, we, the family, ask everyone to rejoice in the life Joy chose to live. An inspiration to us all, Joy cherished each day, bringing love, kindness, and laughter, to everyone around her. She will be forever remembered for her immense strength, hope, and of course, her infectious laugh.
Born in Sydney, on September 14, 1947, Joy was the daughter of the late Daniel and Helen (Bond) MacIver. Upon graduation from St. Francis Xavier University in 1970, Joy began her career as an English teacher at Riverview Rural High School, where her passionate love of teaching and devotion to her students radiated from her very being. Joy later left RHS to pursue a career in guidance counseling, becoming one of the first full-time elementary guidance counselors for Sydney and local area. She went on to become a junior/high school guidance counselor at Breton Education Centre, where she later retired from, and became a dedicated member of the Retired Teacher’s Association for Sydney and Area.
Throughout her 29-year journey with breast cancer, Joy’s continuous support toward cancer research was evident in the numerous contributions made to her community. Joy was a valued member of the Cape Breastoners Dragon Boat Team, an avid volunteer with the CIBC Run for the Cure, and was instrumental in the establishment of breast cancer resources in libraries across Nova Scotia. Joy volunteered with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic Region for many years, serving two terms on the Board of Directors, and was awarded for her contributions. She was a member of the CBCF Community Health Grants Committee, held a leadership role in the organization of the Canadian Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast, Sydney, for 9 years, and was active with the Community Partnership on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
A faithful parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima, Sydney River, Joy served on numerous committees, was an active Eucharistic minister, and a treasured member of the Cape Breton East Richmond Cursillo family since the early 1980’s.
Joy is survived by her loving daughter, Laura Lee MacInnis; father of Laura Lee, Martin MacInnis; and her precious furbaby, Maggie; sister, Penny (Bob) Parsons; brother, Lorway (Lise) MacIver; sister-in-laws, Georgina (Bob) Shaw, Debbie (Chris) Beach and Marilyn (Ron) Seilkop; brother-in-law, Davey MacInnis; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins; and innumerable dear friends, with special appreciation given to Ruth, Liz, and niece, Janine.
In addition to her parents, Joy is predeceased by her brother, Teddy MacIver; niece, Janice Onotsky; several aunts and uncles; and her other precious furbaby, Buffy.
The family wishes to extend immense gratitude and respect to Dr. Ron MacCormack, the staff of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, Dr. Steven Hall, Palliative Care, VON, and Continuing Care, for the compassion shown, and their unconditional love for Joy.
Visitation will be held at Chants Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., with funeral to be held at Our Lady of Fatima on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at 1 p.m. with Father Devereaux officiating. Interment at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.
“Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance ~ Dance”