The Chestico Museum and Historical Society is pleased to honour Betty & Edgar Cormier and Ann & John MacDonald as this year’s Chestico Couples.
Betty & Edgar Cormier:
Betty grew up in Port Hood. She was the seventh of twelve children born to Marion (MacEachern) and Andrew Moran. Betty attended St. Peter’s Convent School and Port Hood Consolidated School and worked at the Telephone Office in Port Hood as well as a short order cook for a local establishment.
Edgar was born in Amherst, NS to Bertha (Babineau) and Jude “Sam” Cormier. He was the oldest of three children. Edgar attended St. Charles School and Amherst Regional High School before going on to study mechanics at vocational school in Point Edward, NS. Betty was attending the same school and that is where the couple met.
Betty & Edgar were married on February 3, 1968 (Betty’s birthday!) in St. Joseph’s Church, Sydney by Father Nash. Shortly afterward they moved to Amherst where Edgar worked for the Enamel & Heating Company.
In 1973 they moved back to Port Hood, living for 5 years in the home that had belonged to Betty’s grandfather – Johnny Moran. In 1979 the Cormiers moved to Moncton, NB where Edgar was employed with CNR. In 1987 they returned to Port Hood and have resided here ever since.
Betty & Edgar raised a family of three children – Marion (married to Charlie Mercer), Lisa (Sr. Elizabeth Marie) and Beverly. They are also blessed with three grandchildren – Ryan, Brittany and Cyle.
Betty and Edgar both enjoy pursuing their various interests. Betty has done a great deal of genealogical research and is always adding material to her family tree, she treasures time spent with family and the telling of humorous stories, she enjoys quilting and has also published a biography of her grand aunt, Catherine Eliza Moran, entitled Mystical Bride of Christ which is now in its second printing.
Edgar is very musical and is a member of St. Peter’s Parish Choir and also entertains throughout the County as a member of the musical group The Boys from the Hood. Edgar is an active member of St. Peter’s Parish Council Knights of Columbus #8275. He also serves as the head of the Port Hood Community Food Bank.
Ann & John MacDonald:
Ann grew up in Glencoe Station. She was the youngest of four children born to Flora (Campbell) and Duncan MacMaster. She attended Port Hood Consolidated School.
John was born in England and grew up in West Mabou. He was the second of eleven children born to WWII veteran Donald “Johnny Murdock” MacDonald and his English war bride, Alma Hodges. John attended Mabou Consolidated School.
Ann and John met at a dance in Mabou. The couple were married on November 20, 1968 in St. Peter’s Church, Port Hood.
Ann and John settled in Glencoe Station. John worked in Judique for Roddie MacIntyre and Angus Cameron for a number of years and then spent 28 years working at the Mabou School Garage. Ann has worked at a variety of places including the Hebridean Motel, Duncreigan Inn and Heritage House. Currently, she is employed with the Port Hood Small Options residence.
Ann and John raised a family of six children – Sheila, Angus, Brenda, John Wayne, Donna Eileen and Helena. Today they are also blessed with thirteen grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Twelve years ago the MacDonalds moved to Port Hood from Glencoe Station, however they both still remain involved with the Glencoe Station Recreation Association. Ann & John enjoy a good game of cards, playing BINGO and dominoes and listening to music.
We are pleased Betty & Edgar and Ann & John accepted our invitation to be this year’s Chestico Couples. Enjoy the experience and accept our congratulations as you celebrate fifty years of married life!
