Marguerite Elizabeth (MacMillan) Ratchford of North Sydney, N.S. passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 11, with her loving family by her side, at the age of 78. 

Born in North Sydney on June 27, 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, Marg 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, Marg 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 Harbour View Hospitals.    

Marg married her “Sweetie,” David Ratchford on Sept. 3,1966 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.  

Marg, or as Dave called her “Maggie,” had a life full of fun and adventure. She was happiest to be by her husband's side, “horsin around.”  She shared this love of horses 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.

Marg 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 Ratchford, Linda Ratchford and Mary Beth MacMillan; along with several special cousins, nieces and nephews.  

She was predeceased by her mother and father; 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 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.  

Visitation will take place at W. J. Dooley’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 pm.  Funeral to take place at St. Joseph’s Parish, Archibald Ave., North Sydney on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow at Emira Center, King Street, North Sydney.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Marguerite Ratchford.