Ann MacDonald
Born: July 11th, 1938
Passed on: July 11th, 2014
Ann (Nan) Eugenia (Davis) MacDonald passed away at home on Friday, July 11, 2014.
She was born to the late Albert Davis and Kathleen (MacNeil) Davis on July 11, 1938.
Nan attended elementary school and high school in Sydney Mines. She then attended the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing to pursue a career in X-Ray Technology where she graduated in 1958 at the top of her class and was awarded the prize for "Proficiency in General X-Ray Technology". Nan worked in the X-Ray Dept. at Harbour View Hospital Sydney Mines where she was employed for 24 years. In 1982 Nan trained to work in the field of physiotherapy. She transferred to the new Northside Harbour View Veterans/Rehab Hospital in Sydney Mines where she was employed in the physiotherapy department until she retired.
As her children grew Nan continued her studies at UCCB part time working on a B.A. in English. Nan was an expert in the under-appreciated art of knitting. After retirement she enjoyed the challenge and pleasure of furniture refinishing.
Nan is survived by her daughters Sandra (Shawn) MacDonald; and Joanne (Stewart) Carmichael; grandsons Stephen Mac Donald(Halifax); Rae(Heather) Mac Donald (Elmsdale); Kyle (Candice Garden) MacDonald (Rines Creek); Mathew Carmichael (Sydney); sisters Brenda Davis (Ontario); Norma Gates (Alberta); Joan (Norm) Connors (North Sydney); Barbara (late John Bailey)(Sydney Mines).
Besides her parents Nan was pre-deceased by her husband Joseph Dunsmore Mac Donald(1987); daughter Paula Jean Mac Donald(2010); brother Curtis Davis.
Nan was kind, smart, compassionate and always a lady. She had a strength beyond words. Her strength, wisdom, and unconditional love will be cherished forever. Always with honesty and integrity she prepared herself and her family for the road ahead.
It is hard to put into words how much our mother taught us, how much she loved us and how we loved her. Her teaching will continue because we can still hear her giving us advice and feel her love stamped on our hearts. My sister and I are grateful for the years we've had with her. To us there is no-one and never will be anyone quite like her. Kindness, love and most of all family was how she lived. Nan always put others especially her family before herself. Her love support and guidance have been immeasurable. We all have been so blessed.
Nan was not only a mother to us but also to many of our friends and touched the lives of many people we don't know. Nan had a special place in her heart for all children. We have received a consistent thread among the kind words from our friends. The lives she touched will forever be enriched.
Nan had a great love for her daughters and grandsons who meant everything to her. Her major joys were her grandsons, Stephen, Rae, and Kyle MacDonald, and Mathew Carmichael. Her grandchildren are a handful of gems and what we are here for. They are the ones to carry her forward into the future.
Nan's cat "Dolly" was a major part of her family. Her love and respect of all animals could clearly be seen, kindness to animals was her belief.
We will not dwell on the sadness of losing a mother, a grandmother, a sister, friend. We will honour her memory and keep her spirit with us. We will love and live to our greatest potential. We will share, comfort, feel great joy and feel great sorrow. We will celebrate the generous life, the most dedicated provider and our tireless protector. When you really love someone you let them be free. We believe her daughter Paula and loving husband Joe have welcomed her to wherever she is now. In the arms of angels and now at peace.
We love you Mom, forever and always.
Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation go out to the VON nurses and palliative care team, they were superb. Also all of the wonderful people who have helped make Mom's final journey a little easier. Your kindness and devotion will never be forgotten.
A special thank you to Cathy MacMillan, RN and Dr. Ritter; VON nurses Susan, Bernadette, Melissa and Sherry for their care and compassion. Also a special thank you to Marilyn for her special care — Sandra and Joanne
Cremation has taken place. By request there will be no visitation. Family flowers only. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the SPCA or the feral cat spay/neuter program.
A committal service will take place Thursday, July 17, at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph's Parish Church Hall, Bras d'Or. A reception will follow.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines.
Condolences to the family may be made by visiting www.francisfuneralhome.ca.
