Jennie (Jean) Eileen MacArthur

Jennie was born in Apple River, NS on June 11, 1937 she was the daughter of the late Clayton Lawson Atkinson and Minnie May (Leslie) Atkinson.

 

Jennie started school at age five and did two grades in that year.  At age 6 she entered grade two.   At age sixteen she graduated from high school with an average of ninety-nine.  The community had no teacher for the grades primary to six for the next fall.  The school board  trustees asked if Jennie would teach in the fall.  Jennie went to teachers college at summer school in Truro and taught in Apple River School for two years, six grades and fifty pupils.  Jennie moved to Moncton with her parents and worked at Eaton's for a year then off to Teacher's College in Truro for a year.  She taught for two years at Middle Coverdale School.  She then met her husband, Forrest, and after they were married in 1959 she taught in Gander Academy for a year.  They purchased together MacArthur's Grocery and Confectionary and in 1970 began to build MacArthur Apartments.  The 18 unit complex was finished in 1973 and they sold the store that same year.  In 1974 both Jennie and Forrest placed their faith in Christ at the Wesleyan Beulah Camp.  Their lives together were called to ministry and served together wherever God led them.  Jennie's passion from the beginning was to missions and youth ministry.  Jennie was a leader and became a guardian angel to all for missions and the poor of this world.  Wherever she was called to serve, she took a leadership role and became very involved.   Jennie went on four short term mission trips to Haiti, Mozambique, Honduras and Mexico.  She oversaw the sending of five shipping containers of goods for the poor to Honduras.  Another special place in her heart was the Samaritan's Purse Operation - Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry.  She oversaw with the help of her church family up to seven thousand boxes done up over the years.  She also packed boxes along with her church family for a children's center in Mozambique.  Jennie and her husband, Forrest, support four children with Compassion Canada and just loved sending letters and praying for the children everyday.  Jennie was also a doll collector, ceramic teacher and was President of the Moncton Doll and Miniature Club in its early years.  Jennie had an antique and craft shop in Alma for several years.  She has been an awesome wife,mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was a true inspiration and role model.  She is now with her Heavenly Father and hearing those words "Well done my good and faithful servant."  Her kind and caring ways will live on in our hearts forever.  Until we meet again.

 

She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Forrest MacArthur ; sons, Lee MacArthur (Connie), Chris MacArthur (Lisa); daughter, Lynn Philippe; her cherished grandchildren, Kari (Mike), Nathan (Megan), Davis, Matt, Alysha, Breanna and Luke; treasured great grandchildren, Ivy, Rowan and Lochland; brother-in-law, Gordon MacArthur and sister-in-law, Barb Smith (Dexter).  She will also be missed by nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

 

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her  son-in-law, John Philippe; sister, Lillian Smith (Dean).

 

Due to Covid Restrictions there will be no visitation.  A  private Funeral Service will be held at the Albert County Funeral Home for family and close friends.

 

Anyone wishing to attend the committal service is welcome on Saturday, September 19th, 2020 at 3:30pm in Bayview Cemetery, Harvey, NB with Social Distance being followed.

 

For those who wish donations to the charity of the donor's choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

 

The family would like to say a very special thank you to the Staff of the Albert Medical Clinic and Forest Dale Home for all the Love and Care given not only to Jennie but to all her family.   We feel so blessed to have such special people in our community that have such big hearts and do their jobs above and beyond what is expected. The compassion and support shown was overwhelming and will never be forgotten. 

 

Arrangements are in the care of the Albert County Funeral Home, 4130 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB E4H-3K2  734-2780