13 May 1955 Elizabeth “Bessie” MacInnis
On Friday, May 13th in Washington, D.C., Elizabeth MacInnis formerly of Georgeville, Antigonish County and Boston, Mass., passed to her eternal reward after a long illness. She was born in Georgeville, the daughter of Alexander John MacInnis and Sarah Gillis, also of Georgeville. She married Peter MacInnis of Cape George and remained there for seventeen years, moving to Boston in 1922. She lived at 49 Floral St. Newton Highlands, Mass., for many years and her home became a symbol of hospitality for all Nova Scotians who visited her. Her door was always open to all as well as her purse and her heart. She was a wonderful , generous person and her passing will be keenly felt by all who knew and loved her. She suffered for many years with arthritis and despite this painful infirmity, she was always cheerful and happy. She sold her home in Newton in 1949 and moved to Washington in 1951 where she lived with her son Frank until her death. In May 1952, she suffered a slight stroke and fell, breaking her right arm at the elbow. Due to her arthritic condition she could never use the arm again and had to be fed at all times. She remained bedridden for three years. Despite this hardship. She was completely resigned to God’s holy will and received Him in Holy Communion on every first Friday. All those who visited her sick room were always entertained with Gaelic songs and Scottish melodies which she loved to sing. She had been organist in St. George’s Church, Georgeville for seven years during the time Father Angus MacDonald was pastor. She was anointed three weeks before she died and passed away peacefully at 4:10 p.m. an hour after pastor Father James King visited her to administer the last blessing and indulgences. At her bedside were two of her sons, Frank R. and Angus A. MacInnis and also her nurse Mrs. Sally Edgar of Atlanta Georgia who was her constant companion for over two years and whose devotion and kindness will always be remembered. Her remains were brought to Boston for burial and over three hundred and fifty friends and relatives came to pay their respects in Washington and Boston. She received over 150 Mass cards and spiritual bouquets and floral tributes. Her funeral was held on Monday, May 16th from Sacred Heart Church, Newton Center, Mass. Rev Vincent O’Connor, Director of Catholic Charities of the diocese of Springfield, Mass., sang the High Requiem Mass. Assisting him in the sanctuary were: Rev. John Chwalek of Ludlow, Mass., Philip McConville of St. Anthony’s Church, Allston and Rev John McClery of Sacred Heart Church. Burial was in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Roxbury, Mass., and graveside prayers were offered by the four priests. She is survived by five sons: Alexander D. of Newton Centre, Donald J., of Waltham Mass., John R. of Boston, Angus A., and Frank R. of Washington, D.C. Her daughter Anna M., and her husband Peter C., both predeceased her. She is also survived by four sisters and one brother Dan A. MacInnis of Georgeville, Antigonish County, Mrs. Angus R MacDonald of New Glasgow, and Mrs. Ben Grant ???, Glawson, Miss Margaret MacInnis all of Newton Centre, Mass.