NEW GLASGOW – Isobel Catherine Wesley, 90, passed away peacefully December 16th at the QEII surrounded by family. Isobel was loved by all who met her. She was always smiling, and brimming with knowledge (a one-woman Encyclopedia, if you ask her family). An avid bookworm, Isobel would read a book a day. When she wasn't reading, she loved the theatre, Downton Abbey, Coronation Street, crosswords puzzles, red wine, and the occasional margarita. She was especially proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Born in New Glasgow on February 27, 1923 to George and Malcena (MacIver) MacKay, she was the eldest in a family of 7. Isobel was a member of Christ Anglican Church, Stellarton. She received her teachers training at The Normal College, and began teaching in one room schoolhouses throughout Pictou County. On October 31, 1946, she married John after a whirlwind courtship. John and Isobel moved to Halifax where she taught at the Halifax Ladies College. She left teaching to raise her family. Always a student, Isobel began attending MSVU at the age of 65, receiving her BA at age 69. She fully enjoyed life and was fondly known by her family as the matriarch of the MacKay clan. She will be dearly missed by her children Jay (Diane), Christopher (Debbie), Catherine (Mike), and her grandchildren, Gillian (Drew), Brittany, Omer (Britny), Emily, Nicole, and Cali, her sister Joy Williams, her brother Donald, and her brother-in-law Joe Richard and sister-in-laws Ethyl MacKay and Irene MacKay Chisholm. She is predeceased by her husband, parents, and siblings Robert, Dolly Matheson, Grace Richard, and David. The family will receive visitors 2-5 p.m. Friday, Dec 20, in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow and a gathering will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 at the home of Jay and Diane Wesley, Halifax. A graveside service celebrating the lives of Isobel and John will be held in the spring of 2014. Donations may be made in Isobel’s memory to any charity of choice. "To live in the hearts of others is to never die"