MACLEOD (Mackay), Irene

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Irene ( Mackay) Macleod of Antigonish. Irene passed away Thursday, December 10, 2020 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, at 60 years of age. Born in Schefferville, Que., she was the beloved daughter of Susan (Morrison) and the late William Mackay of Sydney. Devoted wife to Brian and loving mother to William, Brian Douglas (Catherine), Sheumais (Taylor), and Jermal (Myrie). Cherished sister of Roderick, Melanie (Ron) Legace, Douglas (Michele), Gregory (Sherry), Laura Ley (Joe) Macinnis, Kelvin ( Barb), and Alana (Ed) Maclean. Sister-inlaw to Rev. Bill (Joyce) Macleod and Sandy Macleod (Marilyn). Irene was a force of unconditional love, energy, and kindness. She was a strong, accomplished woman with a lifelong passion for helping and guiding others. Nobody ever had to wonder what Irene thought - she told you. With disarming honesty came a relentless push to make all around her better. She was a tireless community volunteer, a generous donor, a business partner, and leader of many community causes. More important to Irene, was her good fortune to be able to discreetly help people she barely knew when she saw a need. Irene travelled extensively and read voraciously always with a mind towards learning. She could tell a story or describe a situation with a level of detail that brought the listener in. Often, the stories would end with huge laughter, but they were rarely jokes, just stories told by an insightful observer of people. It was that insight and intuition that made Irene a formidable political strategist and organizer. In 1986, she was elected National President of PC Youth when many told her she didn’t have a chance. This foray into politics led to many political roles as campaign manager for provincial and federal candidates. Like all who knew her, the winning politicians heard Irene’s views whether they wanted to or not. Her commitment to serving her community was unmatched. She volunteered for the Family and Child Welfare Board, Antigonish Highland Society, Antigonish Area Partnership, Autism Nova Scotia, L’arche Antigonish, Festival Antigonish, Antigonish Women’s Resource Center, Naomi Society, the Heat Poverty Action Coalition, the Strait Area Early Childhood Intervention Society, and St. James United Church. Irene’s efforts were recognized provincially and nationally when she was awarded the Progress Club’s Women of Excellence Award, Sobey’s Green Jacket for Advocacy for Autism, and achieved the highest rank for a female officer in cadets. Later she served on the Board of Directors of the Royal Military College. Along with her many contributions to her community, Irene was a gracious host and accomplished cook who shared her love of food with guests and in response to community needs. Quietly, Irene and Brian built the Macleod Group into one of the rural Maritimes largest nursing home operations with over 600 residents in care and 1000 employees. We ask that you celebrate your love for Irene in your own special way. Visitation will be held today, Monday, December 14th, in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St., Antigonish from 6-8 p.m. Social distancing protocols must be followed, and masks are mandatory. A private family funeral will be held in St. James United Church, Antigonish, with Rev. Peter Smith presiding. The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home’s website Tuesday evening. Inmemoriam, donations to the St. James Hot Meal Program or St. James Benevolent Fund appreciated. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com