Gouthro, Sister Marcella (John Robert) SC, died peacefully at the Halifax Infirmary Hospital, Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 11, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born in North Sydney in 1938, the daughter of the late Robert and Emma (Russel) Gouthro. She entered the Sisters of Charity-Halifax in 1957 and made her first profession in 1960.

Sister Marcella, lovingly known as Sister Marcie, began her ministry at St. Brigid’s Home for Children and the Aged in Quebec City. In 1969, she trained to be a Nursing Assistant in New York before returning to serve again at St. Brigid’s. In 1976, she transferred to Halifax and continued her work as a Nursing Assistant at Mother Berchman’s Residence. In 1989, Sister was transferred to Elizabeth Seton Residence in North Sydney where she provided pastoral care in the hospital and nursing home. She returned in the early 90’s to Halifax once again, where she worked at DePaul Centre in the Motherhouse. When DePaul Center closed, Sister Marcie continued to volunteer with the senior Sisters at Parkstone Enhanced Care. In 2008, when the Motherhouse closed, Sister Marcie moved to Caritas Retirement Centre and continued her ministry at Caritas until her health failed.

A proud Cape Bretoner, she was feisty, warm, social, and had an excellent sense of humor. Comfortable in her own skin, she was honest and didn’t hesitate to tell you, often jokingly, exactly how she felt. Sister Marcella devoted her life to caring for the sick, the aged and the vulnerable, work that allowed her to share her exceptional gifts in health care. She ministered love generously without judgement. She carried within her a number of hidden gifts, quietly woven into the way she related to, served, listened to, and loved others. She humbly touched many lives that others did not always see.

In her later years at Cartias Residence, Sister Marcie spent little time in her room, preferring to be with and among others. She was ever present with Sisters and staff, chatting with all who passed by. Her presence was a joyful constant. It was a regular occurrence to be greeted by her with a familiar and affectionate “Come here, you!” followed by a warm chat most often ending with her smiling, saying “I love you.” Sister Marcie gave love freely to others and was greatly loved in return. As a mainstay in our home, her absence will be felt deeply; the space she held so naturally will feel quieter now. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Sister Marcie was predeceased by her sisters: Jenny Silver, Hilda McCormick, Leona Hennessy, and Theresa Gillis; her brothers: Francis (Frank) and Michael; her brothers-in-law: Kevin Hennessy (husband of Leona) and Mickey McCormick (husband of Hilda); her sisters-in-law: Evelyn (wife of Francis) and Beth (wife of Michael); as well as her nephew, Sandy Robertson, and her niece, Kimberly Ivey. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Tommy Gillis, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

All services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Caritas Residence, 215 Seton Road, Halifax. Seating is limited. A Welcoming and Vigil service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 2:00pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 10:00am.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/5204688/fdd2dbdd91.
Burial will take place in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, immediately following the Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Charity.