Margaret Mary Arsenault

Arsenault, Margaret Mary (Pelrine) from Halifax, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2014, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 90. Born in Port Felix, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. She was the daughter of the late Martin and Clara Pelrine (Fougère). Margaret is survived by her 11 children: Denise Arsenault (Joanne Slack), Raymond (Sue) Arsenault, Peter (Jane) Arsenault, Alice (Finley) Evong, Lucille (Leonard) Bona, Carmel (Bill) Shea, Marcel (Carmen) Arsenault, Paulette Arsenault (Peter Vandervelde), Annette (Peter) Bona, Cecile (Philip) Amirault, Michelle (David) Bona; 27 grandchildren, Moria, Margaret, Rene, Andre, Justin, Joella, Maggie, Laura, Luke, Caylum, Melinda, Jon, Michelle, Tim, Peter, Kelsey, Kirk, Dominique, Maria, Lorenz, Clare, Danielle, Martina, Sarah, Daniel, Jordan and Rhea; 13 great-grandchildren, Connor, Nolan, Bridget, Maeve, Quinn, Chase, Peter, Ruby, Macy, Kaylee, Chiara, Henry and Kaitlyn; brothers, André and Brother Blaise Pelrine; sisters, Theresa Sampson and Cecilia LeBlanc. Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Joseph René Arsenault; brothers, Raymond, Clarence, Gerard, Anthony Pelrine and sister, Agnes Brow. Margaret will be remembered for her strong Catholic Faith, gracious hospitality, and generous spirit. Her focus was working endlessly and caring for her family, who will dearly miss her. In her early years, Margaret worked at the Hotel Nova Scotian, where she met her husband René and met her lifelong friends. In her late 50`s she returned to the work force as a receptionist at Gerard Hall of the Halifax Infirmary. Margaret was a lifelong parishioner of Saint Mary`s Basilica where she volunteered on various committees and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She lived out her faith every day and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her passions in life included spending time with her siblings, working many hours in her garden, quilting, knitting and volunteering at the hospitals. Margaret grew up in Havre Boucher, Antigonish County, and spent much of her spare time there. Havre Boucher held a very special place in her heart as many fond memories were made there. Margaret`s joy in life was nurturing her children and giving them the greatest gift of loving one another and an appreciation for the great outdoors and active living. We will always remember her strength, courage, and her quick wit even in her last years of fighting Parkinson`s Disease. She will be forever loved by her family and will always be in our hearts. A special thank you to everyone who cared and comforted Margaret while at Parkstone Enhanced Care. Visitation will be held in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, (455-0531) on Friday, July 18, from 5-8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St Mary's Cathedral Basilica at 10 am on Saturday, July 19, with reception to follow in the basement hall. Interment will take place after the reception at Gate of Heaven, Lower Sackville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Daily Bread Outreach at St. Mary's Basilica, 1531 Grafton St., Halifax, B3J 2B9 (429-9800) or a charity of your choice.