Obituary of Jacqueline Marie MacEachen

With regret, we announce that Jacqueline Marie MacEachen died peacefully on January 1st, 2025 with her family by her side. Jackie was the oldest daughter of the late Robert and Shirley (née Cuvelier) Lanigan of Halifax. She grew up in the Spryfield area, spending her leisure time swimming at the Dingle, skating on the Punch Bowl beside her house, and trekking to the Oxford Theatre to watch a Saturday matinee with her friends. After graduating from B.C. Silver High School in 1968, Jackie attended MSVU, graduating in 1971. During this time as a History major, she spent her summers working as a tour guide for a number of National Historic Sites. She then received her BEd from Atlantic Institute of Education/Acadia in 1972. She worked as a special education teacher for several years with HRSB, then chose to stay at home with her 3 children. During part of this period, she worked at St. Joseph’s Preschool in Spryfield as a coordinator and teacher. She later returned to the classroom for 12 years as an educational program assistant, working in several Halifax schools.

Through education circles, Jackie met her husband, Isaac and they married in 1975 at St. Michael’s Church in Spryfield. They celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in June. Together they enjoyed travel, books, hiking, music, restaurants, a glass of red wine, Scrabble, live theatre, and entertaining their grandchildren. She also had an interest in sewing and completed many projects throughout the years, including her own wedding gown. Jackie was a very kind and gentle woman. She was a great listener with a deep concern for others, especially the more vulnerable in our society. Her warm smile was a window to her beautiful soul. She treasured her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother, and she will remain in the hearts of many.

Jackie was very committed to her Catholic faith, and was always an active member of St. Michael’s (now Stella Maris Parish), serving at various times on Pastoral Council (chair for one term), Liturgy Committee, Religious Education Teaching Staff, Hospitality Team and Baptismal Preparation Team. For 46 years Jackie was a very dedicated member of the parish CWL, serving on the executive for many years, including one term as president.

Jackie leaves behind her husband, Isaac; children, Anne Marie (Kendall Whynot), Shirley Beth (Duane McNeill), and Duncan (Sarah);  grandchildren, Silas Whynot, Tai and Mia McNeill, and Ellis and Fairley MacEachen. Jackie was predeceased by her parents and her younger sister, Joanne (Glenn) Martin.

Arrangements and cremation have been entrusted to J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax. In keeping with Jackie's wishes there will be a visitation at J. Albert Walker Funeral Home on Sunday, January 12th from 2-4 and 6-9. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 13th at 11:00 am at Stella Maris Parish, 14 St. Michael’s Avenue, Spryfield. We ask for family flowers only. A reception will be provided by the Stella Maris CWL in the hall downstairs immediately following the mass. Jackie’s remains will be interred at a later date. Thanks go out to the medical team that supported her over the last year, especially those at the ALS Clinic, the ALS Society of N.B. and N.S., and the Palliative Care Team. Donations in Jackie’s memory may be made to the ALS Society or a charity of your choice.