CONNOR, (MacKay), Eleanor ‘Ann’

Eleanor ‘Ann’ (MacKay) Connor, died at the age of 87 on December the 23, 2019 after a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s. Ann was born at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, NS in 1932. She attended Mt. Allison University in Sackville, NB and graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. In addition to obtaining her degree at Mt. Allison, Ann also met her future husband, Ralph Connor. Ann and Ralph later married in New Glasgow at Trinity United Church on July 20, 1957. In the ensuing years they had three children, Cynthia, James and Tanya. Ann had many interests which reflected her creative side, but her real passion was finding ‘a good deal’. She loved collecting antiques and enjoyed going to antique auctions in Pictou County and also garage sales on early Saturday mornings. Ann was a consummate hostess and loved to entertain friends. She loved to talk to people either in person or on the phone and sometimes would talk for hours. Ann loved a good game of bridge and Thursday night get-togethers and New Year’s Eve parties with her friends which included Mary and Gordon, Elaine and Doc, Liz and Lynn, Alex and Eunice, Don and Fern, Ralph and Helene, Sonny and Glen, Kay and so many others. Ann’s love of finding deals and socializing with friends was only surpassed by her love and devotion to her family. She made countless trips to New Glasgow over the years to visit her mother, Eliza MacKay, and Ann continued to care for her mother when she could no longer live alone until her passing at the age of 104 in 2013. Shortly thereafter, Ann’s husband’s health began to fail, and she looked after him until his passing in 2016. It was during this demanding time that Ann’s own health began to deteriorate, and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. If there was one characteristic which epitomized Ann it was her willingness to give. She gave of her time to those who needed it. This might have included a simple hello or a hug, a phone call or a visit. She touched many and for this many are grateful. If you could sum up Ann in a few words she was a great and compassionate friend and an incredibly generous Mother! Ann is survived by her daughter, Cynthia of Halifax; son, James of Toronto; daughter-in-law, Daisy; granddaughters, Isabella and Sophia and grandson Sean. A final thank you to her late daughter Tanya who was the primary caregiver for so many years. We would like to extend out thanks to the staff at Bissett Court in Cole Harbour, NS where Ann spent her last 2 years. The job you all do is a challenging one and requires a lot of patience and compassion and we thank you for that. A Celebration of Ann’s life will take place on Tuesday, January the 7 at 2p.m. in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St, Dartmouth with a reception to follow. Flowers are welcomed and will be donated to Bissett Court after the service. Memorial donations may be made to Ann’s church, Woodlawn United Church, 54 Woodlawn Rd, Dartmouth, NS, B2W-2S1 (or via CanadaHelps.org). On-line condolences may be made by visiting the Dartmouth Chapel at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com.