Marguerite Elizabeth (MacMillan) Ratchford

Marguerite Ratchford

North Sydney

It is with great sadness, we the family announce the peaceful passing of Marguerite Elizabeth (MacMillan) Ratchford on November 11th, 2022, with her loving family by her side at the age of 78.

Born in North Sydney on June 27th, 1944, Marguerite was the daughter of late Norman and Frances (Young) MacMillan.  Marguerite graduated from St. Rita’s School of Nursing in 1966 and began her career as a Registered Nurse at Northside General Hospital.  Throughout her nursing career, Mom always went above and beyond to meet the needs of her patients, family members and coworkers.  In 1980, Marg became Director of Haley Street Adult Service Center where she excelled at providing an inclusive, loving, and respectful workplace for all staff and clients.  In 1990, Mom returned to nursing and had the privilege to share her exceptional nursing skills with her students in the Nursing Program in Nyanza.  After a long, fulfilling career, Marg retired in 2007 from Northside General and Harbourview Hospitals.   

Mom married her “Sweetie”, David Ratchford on September 3rd,1966 and within four years had four daughters and the family became known as “Dave, Marg and Girls”.

She lived life with admirable strength and tenacity.  She had an incredible enthusiasm for life in general and demonstrated an unwavering love and commitment to her family.  Known affectionately to many as Grammy, her home was known as the “do drop in”, the door was always open, and everyone was welcome for a home cooked meal any time, day or night. 

Mom, or as Dad called her “Maggie”, had a life full of fun and adventure. Mom was happiest to be by Dad's side, “horsin’ around”.  She shared this love of horses with Dad and took on many jobs from mucking the stalls to driving the truck and trailer.  Together with her family, she had many horse-related adventures, travelling extensively across Canada and the US.  Most recently, Marg was the proud owner of champion horse Century Farroh.   

Marguerite is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Dave Ratchford, daughters: Bernadette (Jim) MacNeil, Lorna (Patrick) O’Grady, Monica (Claude) Sampson and Karen (Glenn) Cox and her cherished 12 grandchildren Haley, Brennan (Faith Caldwell) and Kate (Ryan Groom) MacNeil, Emily, Brendan, Kieran and Molly O’Grady, Chase, Lenee and Luc Sampson and Blake (Madison Bresowar) and Shann (Dylan Quirk) Cox. 

Also surviving are her sister Kay (Malcolm) Batherson, brothers: Johnnie (Karen) MacMillan, Normie (Linda) MacMillan, Malcolm (Linda) MacMillan, brothers-in-law: Greg Ratchford and Leo Doyle, sisters-in-law, Élise (Marcel Jackman) Ratchford, Linda Ratchford and Mary Beth MacMillan along with several special cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Marguerite was predeceased by her parents, two brothers in infancy, Anthony Daniel and Pius Joseph, her sister Mary Ann Doyle, brothers: Dennis and Charlie (Diane) MacMillan, Father and Mother-in-law Lorne and Félicie Ratchford and brother-in-law John (Mary) Ratchford. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Patrick O’Grady and Dr. Joan Salah as well as the entire staff of Northside General, especially the staff, residents and families from 4 East for all their care and support. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haley Street Adult Services Center, The Alzheimer’s Society or to the charity of one’s choice. 

Mom, may there be lots of dance parties, Anne Murray music and an endless supply of ice cream - we love you.

“Remember, You Are Important!”

A visitation for Marg will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, at W. J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral mass will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, at St. Joseph Church on Archibald Avenue in North Sydney with Rev. Doug MacDonald officiating. A reception will follow the mass at the Emera Centre Northside at 175 King St. North Sydney.  Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting the tribute wall of the obituary page at www.wjdooley.com.

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