Eòs Ailig Eachainn Sheumais

Joseph Francis “Joe” MacKenzie was born in Rear Christmas Island, one of ten children of Alex Joseph and Maggie Catherine (MacNeil) MacKenzie. He married Mary Margaret “Peggy” MacLean of Washabuck, and together they settled in Watertown and Waltham, Massachusetts, where they lived for over three decades.

Joe and Peggy were active members of the Cape Breton Gaelic Club and the Canadian-American Club, with Joe serving as president of the Gaelic Club for several years. He was passionate about sharing songs and keeping Gaelic culture alive.

Despite his years away, Joe always enjoyed returning home to Cape Breton, where he loved spending time with family and friends. His family was full of fun, and they easily made their own entertainment, filling evenings with storytelling and song.

Joe passed away in Boston and is laid to rest at Newton Cemetery, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.