It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marie Josephine (Beaton) MacMaster, a cherished mother, grandmother, and community volunteer from Atlantic Canada. Marie, who was born on November 3, 1937, in Little Judique, peacefully left this world on March 19, 2026, at the age of 88, on the Feast of Saint Joseph. Her life was a testament to faith, family, community service, and love—values she embodied every day.
Marie was the beloved daughter of Hughie Beaton and Anne (MacDougall). She was the eldest sibling among her brothers and sisters, including Pauline, Al, and John. Her childhood was filled with fond memories of her early days in Little Judique, where she showed her family remnants of her school in Hawthorne before moving on to the big high school in Judique. Her educational journey led her to Mount Saint Bernard College, part of St. Francis Xavier University, where she cultivated her love for learning and faith.
In her early adult years, Marie loved the vibrant city life of Halifax from 1959 to 1964. During this time, she stayed at the Sisters of Service at the corner of Barrington and Tobin and worked at the Department of Finance & Economics. Her adventurous spirit took her further afield to downtown Boston, where she worked at Holland Insurance on State Street. Marie cherished her time living with her MacPherson cousins and developed a love for folk music, often traveling by train to Greenwich Village’s coffee houses in New York during the late 1960s—an experience that enriched her appreciation for culture and heritage.
Eventually, Marie chose to settle back home, embracing family life and the simple joys of her community. It was the sound of fiddle music in summertime that brought her the greatest happiness, leading her to marry Hugh Allan (Buddy) MacMaster. Her dedication to her family was unwavering—she was the heart of the household, providing nourishing meals, baked goods, and quiet guidance that shaped generations.
A devout Catholic, Marie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She diligently cared for church vestments and altar cloths, actively engaged in youth formation, and participated in community organizations in Judique that supported the greater good. Her faith was her guiding light, and her devotion touched everyone around her.
Marie’s love for animals was another defining trait. She often offered wayward cats warm milk, and many times, those cats chose to stay, a testament to her kindness. Her husband Hugh Allan was often away playing the fiddle, especially during summer, but Marie held down the home front with grace—taking her children to fairs, the beach, or even train trips to Halifax.
She is survived by her daughter Mary Elizabeth (Trevor MacInnis) and grandchildren Sarah, Elizabeth, Annie, Mary Catherine, and Theresa; her son Allan (Lucie Kralovec) and grandchildren Owen, Ben, Ivy Marie, Willow, and Lochlann. Marie was also the last surviving member of her immediate family, preceded in death by her husband Hugh Allan (Buddy) MacMaster, and survived by nieces Carolyn, Sheila, Elaine, Lois, and nephews Melvin and the late Mark. When asked if she feared dying alone, Marie famously replied that Saint Joseph would look after her—an assurance she held onto until her peaceful passing.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare teams at Inverness Hospital and Mary’s Court in Antigonish, who provided her with compassionate care. Special thanks also go to friends and community members who looked out for Marie, especially after her husband’s passing.
A visitation will be held at the Judique Volunteer Fire Department Community Room on March 24, 2026, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Her funeral Mass will take place at St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church on March 25, 2026, at 11 am. Marie’s life was a shining example of faith, love, and community service—a legacy that will forever inspire those who knew her.