Marina Jemima Westhaver (née MacMillan)

Marina Jemima Westhaver (MacMillan) passed away peacefully in her home on March 25th with her beloved husband of 59 years Barry, by her side. Marina was the fourth of eight children born to Shaw and Jessie MacMillan on September 22nd, 1935 in their family home at Alberry Plains, Queens County, Prince Edward Island. Proud of her upbringing in PEI, where strong family values were instilled early in her life, Marina developed an impressive work ethic. Her responsibilities included cooking for a large family, bundling shingles on their family-owned sawmill at MacMillan Pond and maintaining excellent grades in school.

Graduating as a Registered Nurse from the PEI Hospital School of Nursing in 1959, Marina and two of her classmates headed west for their first nursing jobs in Trail, B.C. This is where Marina met the love of her life, Barry, in July of 1960. During the next 22 months, their paths crossed many times as their courtship grew. Focusing on their careers in various towns and cities throughout the province of B.C., they eventually married in 1962 in Trail, at St. Andrews Church. Next, they headed to Prince Rupert to work and start a family. With daughter Heather in their arms, they embarked on their next adventure to North Vancouver. Soon after, Peter and Norman were born and their family circle was complete.

Marina worked at many hospitals throughout the province and cared deeply for her patients. Her dedication to nursing shone through at many hospitals she graced: Trail, Royal Columbian, Jubilee, Prince Rupert, Lions Gate, Fort Simpson NWT, Campbell River, and the Memorial Pavilion.

Marina loved and cherished her family and friends, especially get-togethers at their beautiful home in Victoria and their summer cabin on the beach at Deep Bay. Always interested in others, Marina stayed up to date on current family matters and loved to reminisce. She had a very perceptive nature and a welcoming smile. Her interests in everyone was genuine and heartfelt and made those around her feel special and valued. Marina had a quick wit often followed by a wink, just to make sure that you knew that everything was going to be okay.

Left to mourn her passing is her beloved husband Barry, better known as “Pa.”, her daughter Heather Simpson (Robert), sons Peter (Colleen McNamee), and Norman (Mena). She was affectionately known as “Nan” to her cherished grandchildren, Brett, Drew (Erika) and great-grandchild Jamie, Charlotte, Oliver, Marty, Andy, Jack and Jake.

Marina is survived by her two sisters, Edna Gosbee (John) of Calgary, and Florine Sigsworth (Barry) of Alberry Plains, PEI. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-laws Fran, Eleanor, Florence and numerous nieces and nephews. She joins her beloved siblings, Frances, Jean, George, John, Fred and nephew George in eternal rest with their heavenly Father and Saviour.

Marina will be laid to rest in the cemetery next to St. Luke Anglican Church in Victoria, where she was a devoted parishioner and a dedicated volunteer who served as the social convener and proud member of the altar guild.

It is with much gratitude and appreciation that the family wishes to thank the many health care workers at VIHA for their wonderful attentiveness to Marina’s needs. The steadfast care by her husband Barry, for his “sweets”, was tireless, loving, supportive and dedicated until her passing. A powerful example for all those within their family and friends to witness.

There will be a memorial service at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marina to St Luke’s Anglican Church, or a charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com