Obituary of Margaret Agnes MacDonald

Funeral Video Link  https://youtu.be/iRWeQHYjPSI

Margaret Agnes MacDonald (Phelan) of Antigonish passed away peacefully in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on April 22, 2021, surrounded by her family.  She was born in New Glasgow on May 18, 1935 to the late Anthony and Jean Phelan.
 

Margie is survived by her children; MJ MacDonald, Nan MacDonald, Janice MacDonald (Merz Rustom), Eleanor Resler (Randy Deines), Catherine MacDonald, Sandy MacDonald; grandchildren Danielle Hebert, Elise Deveau (Daniel), Lindsey Resler (Jenny), Matthew Resler (Emma Krauss), Emily Resler and her great granddaughter Fern Mabel.  She is also survived by her siblings Teresa Fitzner, Jim Phelan, Fran Czens and Barb Trepanier (Pete) as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Donald MacDonald; sister Joyce Brownrigg, brother Jack Phelan and infant brother, Michael.  

She was a quiet, kind and gentle soul who was deeply committed to the roles that she fulfilled throughout her life.  She was a dedicated nurse who spent her career at St. Martha’s Hospital Obstetrics Unit.  She particularly loved babies and children while raising six of her own.  Mom was often approached when out in the community by former patients who deeply appreciated her compassion and support while in her care. Although always busy with her own family, she enjoyed horseback riding as a special time with friends and became more involved with her church and local community after her retirement. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at     St. Ninian’s and was the Secretary of Club 60 for several years.  She had a great love of music and dancing and was fond of saying that a night out wasn’t over until she and Dad had danced a jive. She enjoyed line dancing and Tai Chi in her retirement as well as singing in the choir at the Manor House and RK MacDonald Nursing Home.  Most of all Mom enjoyed being with her family and loved her time with them whether it was out for a drive or dinners at the cottage.  She was a strong and caring mother who had a deep and abiding love for family that we will all dearly miss.
 

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Michelle Murphy for her years of dedication and care. Special thanks also to Bernadette MacDonald who’s lively and cheerful manner made Mom’s final years far more enjoyable. We would also like to thank Dr. Che and Heather Brander and the staff from the Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s Hospital for their gentle and compassionate care of all of us during this time. 

Visitation 2-5 pm Sunday, April 25, 2021 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Funeral Mass 10 am Monday in St. Ninian Cathedral. COVID-19 protocols will be in place - masks are required. Cremation to follow, burial of ashes in St. Margaret Cemetery, Arisaig, at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Association or the Lung Association. Condolences and/or donations may be made online by visiting www.MacIsaacs.ca