Obituary of Mary Ann MacDonnell

MacDONNELL, Mary Ann – 97, passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2014, at the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish in the presence of her family and caregivers. Born in Bayfield, Antigonish County, NS, on Oct. 17, 1916, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late John and Sarah (MacDonald) MacDonnell. She was predeceased by brothers John (the late Bessie MacDonell), James, Ronald, Michael Laffin (the late Mary Assumpta MacDonnell), Daniel (the late Myrtle MacDonnell), Cornelius and Angus; her nephew Dr. John MacDonell and her niece Betty MacDonell. She is survived by nephews Fr. Ronald (Scarboro Missions), John, James, and Michael; Toni MacDonell (the late Dr. John MacDonell); grand-nephews and nieces Remi (Tina), Betty (Len), Peggy (Bruce), Mary Lou (Donald), Denise (Michael) and John (Jenn); sixteen great-grandnephews and nieces and three great great-grandnieces. Mary Ann attended school in Bayfield and graduated from Mount St. Bernard College, Antigonish, having completed the secretarial program. She held several positions as a professional secretary in Halifax. She worked initially for Provincial Motors and later for many years as an administrator for the Office of Religious Education of the Archdiocese of Halifax. Following retirement she volunteered as a pastoral visitor at the Camp Hill Medical Centre. Mary Ann, a gentle soul with a quick wit, will be remembered by her relatives and friends for her great kindness over the years. She was stylish and professional and very much enjoyed music, dance, and travel. Having learned to cook at her mother’s knee, she was a wonderful hostess who welcomed family and friends to her apartment for many a fine meal. The family wishes to thank Dr. Steve Gallant, St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Emergency Department physicians and staff, and all who cared so kindly for Mary Ann throughout the years. Visitation 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm Tuesday in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St. Antigonish. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at the R.K MacDonald Nursing Home Chapel on Wed., Oct. 8, at 2 PM with Fr. Ron MacDonnell, S.F.M. officiating. Burial at a later time. Memorial donations may be made to the R.K. Nursing Home Foundation or the charity of your choice. Peace of God to her.