It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Mary Elizabeth (Walsh) MacLellan, age 93, on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Born in North Sydney on June 25, 1932, Mary was the eldest daughter of the late Robert and Bessie (Johnston) Walsh.  Mary began her working life as a clerk in North Sydney’s Town Hall. She later lived in four different provinces, as she and her husband Allan raised their family. When they finally settled in Sydney, NS, Mary worked as a receptionist in a dental office in Westmount until her retirement. 

In later years, Mary and Allan belonged to Cape Breton Crafters Association. While Allan was well known for his wood working skills, Mary became a very talented painter, training with Art Cape Breton under her mentor Thorn Morrow. Both Mary and Allan could be found at most craft fairs where their work was well received. They were also members of Highland Caper Modern Square Dance Club as well as Keltic Round Dance.

Mary is survived by her three children: Robert (Susan) in Halifax, Darren (Tara) and Kimberly MacLellan in Sydney, as well as her two grandchildren Connor and Nikki. Also left to mourn are her siblings: Gerald (Marie) Walsh, Eastern Passage, Phyllis Phillips, Beaverbank, and June (Ben) Routhier, Lower Sackville, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, Allan, her brother, William “Buddy” Walsh, and her brother-in-law, Ed Phillips.

A funeral service for Mary will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 10, at Northside Baptist Church, Sydney Mines, NS. A reception will immediately follow the service. Arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  Online condolences may be sent to the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall at www.wjdooley.com.