Alexis ‘Lexie’ MacDonald
Passed on: December 22nd, 2017
On December 22, 2017, with her loved ones by her side, at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, Neil’s Harbour, Alexis (Burton) MacDonald, April 6, 1945-December 22, 2017, at the age of 72, passed away peacefully, after being diagnosed a month earlier with lung cancer.
Alexis was the daughter of the late Alex (1914-1995) and Mary (1919-2011) (Stewart) Burton. She was born on April 6, 1945 in Dunakyn, Glencoe Mills while her father was serving in North West Europe with the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II.
In December when Alexis was nine months of age, her parents and older sister, Peggy decided to move to St. Margaret’s Village and start raising their family.
Mom was known for always having her teapot on, to welcome friends and family from near and far. In her past time, she enjoyed checking Facebook, playing Bingo Blitz, tending to her flower gardens, scratch tickets, and playing Lexicon. She loved going to Sydney to get away for a day, stopping in at Value Village- her favourite store, and eating at Simeon’s would be considered a good trip. Going to Shelly’s in Cheticamp to get her hair done, shopping at the Green Door, and lastly eating at the Evangeline was a monthly routine.
Alexis, with her late husband, Hughie and their fur baby, Prince, always looked forward to “going away for a week or so” in September. Whether it be going to Stewiacke, to spend time at their cabin with their friends, Diane and Red and “the crew”, or going over to PEI or Newfoundland. Not forgetting to make a stop in at St. Peter’s on the way back to visit friends Dana and Leonard. No matter where they went, they always enjoyed their road trips together, especially if they came across a good yard sale; namely the 50 mile Yard Sale in Stewiacke!
Alexis treasured playing bingo with her sister, Peggy, exchanging books with her sister, Liz, sharing history with her brother, Murdock and having her evening tea with her youngest sister, Theresa. Alexis was known as being a social butterfly. Always assisting to those in need in any way she could, and trying her best to support anything that would benefit somebody, whether it was a dinner, bingo, bake sale, or flea market.
Alexis was an active member of the St. Margaret’s CWL for many years, and also the Pal’s group.
Alexis is survived by children, Mary Christine ‘Tootsi’ (Lawrence), Gerald, Charlotte (Clyde), Hughenia (Reg) and Heather (Troy); special granddaughter, Cherilyn; daughter-in-law, Sheila; cherished grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters, Peggy Petrie, Dingwall, Elizabeth (Gordon) MacKillop, Glace Bay, Theresa MacKinnon (Kenneth ‘Brother’), St Margaret’s Village; brother, Murdock (Violet) Burton, White Point; aunts, Judy Buffet, Lizzie Burton and Mary Burton; uncle, Adolph Stacey; brother-in-law, Sam (Colleen) Thistle; sister-in-law, Martta McDonald; godchildren, Paula Bonin and Georgenia MacKinnon; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her parents, Alexis was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, Hughie J. MacDonald (1942-2016); parents-in-law, John (1901-1977) and Christine (1912-1943) (Fraser) MacDonald and John Simon (1905-1985) and Mary Ann (1908-1983) (MacKinnon) Fraser; brothers, George (1948-1973) and Jimmy (1951-1973); sister, Carol (1941-1986) O’Brien; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Petrie, Raymond MacKinnon, Jim McDonald and Hector MacDonald; sisters-in-law, Margaret Boutillier, Annie Beatrice (Burke) Brushett, and grandchildren, William and Tayler MacDonald and Hugh Murdock Fraser. Alexis will be missed by her family, community, and friends especially, Dana and Leonard Digout, Scott Lutke and Meredith Madison, Annette and Paul Bonin, Red and Diane McNeil, Kevin and Dodie McNeil, Marion and Stanley Affleck, Joyce MacDonald, Mary and Steve Rasmussen, Florence Fraser and family, Glenda Langille, and by her childhood friend who she remained close to throughout her life, Carol MacKinnon.
Alexis will best be remembered for her unwavering devotion and commitment to her family and friends. She was a pillar of strength to all, but most of all to her loved ones.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate the late Alexis MacDonald will be held at St. Margaret’s of Scotland Church, Fr. James MacLean Room, in St. Margaret’s Village today (Wednesday, December 27, 2017) from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and again on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Funeral Mass will be followed at 2 p.m. on Thursday with Fr. Duncan MacIssac officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery, St. Margaret’s Village. Following the committal a reception catered by the C.W.L will be held in the Fr. James Room, St. Margaret’s Village.
Donations in memory of Alexis may be made to St. Margaret’s CWL.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, for the love and care given to mom and us during her time of need. Also special thanks to Dr. Robert MacNeil at the pain clinic at Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.
In remembrance of Alexis please take a long deep breath of fresh air, and enjoy life while you can.
As Momma would say; “Teas On”.
