Obituary of Florence Theresa MacDonald

Link for Funeral Video  https://youtu.be/1C9L8_d7sGY

With great sadness we announce the death of Florence Theresa MacDonald, age 95, of Antigonish and formerly of Fraser’s Grant, on Saturday, July 8, 2023, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish.

Born October 17,1927, in Ballantyne’s Cove, to Colin Francis and Mary Ellen (MacEachern) MacDonald, Florence was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Educated in South Side Cape George School and St. Joseph’s Convent, Mabou, in 1950 Florence moved to Boston where she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant Diploma at Goddard Hospital in Brocton and gained employment in the nursing field. In 1957 she returned to Antigonish Co. to marry Allan Joseph MacDonald and settle in Fraser’s Grant where they raised their eight children. Following many years as a busy stay-at-home mom, Florence returned to nursing, working as a PCW at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home.

Florence deeply valued time spent with family. Her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great granddaughter all occupied a special place in her heart. Nothing pleased her more than their visits and phone calls and she always kept up to date on their activities and expressed pride in their accomplishments.

Her familial hospitality was also extended to visitors from near and far. A pot of tea, a warm meal, and homemade treats from the breadbox shared with friends, neighbours, or family, made her day complete. A sharp conversationalist, Florence was often quick with a joke or sly remark, and she loved to reminisce about youthful days spent at the Cape. 

In later years she dedicated much of her time to knitting and donated many of her handicrafts to St. Martha’s Hospital and the Heatherton Parish Bazaar. She also had great enthusiasm for her beloved Toronto Maple Leafs and enjoyed many evenings at home cheering on her team. 

A woman of strong faith, Florence watched the Mass daily and prayed the rosary frequently. She had a special devotion to St. Anne. An active member of the Heatherton CWL, she proudly received her 65-year pin recently. 

Florence is survived by her children: Audrey MacDonald, Antigonish; Regis, Antigonish; Janet (Wally) Norman, St. John’s; Andre (Darlene Pottie), Fraser’s Grant; Martha (Mark) McKeough, Fraser’s Grant; Alanna (Dale) Ryter, Lower Sackville; and, Dennis (Lindsay Manual), Fredericton; daughter-in-law Frances MacDonald, Crowes Mills; grandchildren: Allan, Ann Terese, Matthew, Colin, Alexander, Samantha, Michael, Rachel, Sara, Lauren; great granddaughter Jeslyn; sisters-in-law Isabel MacDonald and Libby MacDonald; special sibling, Aubrey Reynolds; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Besides her parents, Florence was predeceased by her husband, Allan Joseph; son, Gerard; granddaughter, Jenna; siblings Margaret I. Chisholm, Gussie, Isabel MacNeil, Bernard, Mary MacDonald, Sister Marie Raymond, Ray, and, in infancy, Austin and Martha.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Eckhart for his compassionate care, and the medical professionals at St. Martha’s ER and PCU for the wonderful care provided to Florence and for their kindness to the family. A sincere thank you to Florence’s neighbours, family, and friends who were so good to her in the years following Allan’s death.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 14 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held in Immaculate Conception Church, Heatherton, on Saturday, July 15 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Dennis Lamey presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.

Donations in Florence’s memory may be made to St. Anne’s Church, Summerside, Ant. Co., the Antigonish Food Bank, or the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery Fund.