Stella (Gaudet) MacAdam MacDonald
On Saturday, April 2, 2016 a devoted nurse, generous mother, beloved grandmother and joyous great-grandmother 'Grand Nan' chose to succumb to illness in the palliative care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Surrounded by family, friends, and the dedicated staff of 4E.
Stella held all of her loved ones in her heart knowing she was blessed to have lived life on her own terms. As was her wish, she remained in her home throughout the course of almost 90 years (less 2 days in 4E), with frequent visitors for tea, knit and crochet offerings and of course her trademark wit and no nonsense advice. Rarely a trip out was made without catching up with one of her patients or co workers, after 42 years as a registered nurse at the Sydney City Hospital. Nan remained steadfast, making corrections of medical staff until 24 hours of her passing. No one from doctor, to charge, to one 'of her girls' was free of laughter and good ole fashioned nursing in her presence and under her supervision. She was dearly loved, by all.
Mary Stella was born to Alphe and Julia Gaudet on May 21, 1926, a proud graduate of Holy Angels High School and later St. Joseph Hospital, Glace Bay in 1947. Employed by Royal Avenue Hospital and later the 'Old City', Stella cherished being a nurse. She was a gift to those she cared for, balancing toughness with kindness and a knack for seeing her demands met. Nair a patient would remain in bed under her care, with healing and humour in full supply.
Stella married John MacAdam and gave birth to five children, 'supporting her profession' as often remarked. Brent (Gayle) MacAdam, Calgary, Debra (Bob) Stevens, Howie Centre, Shauna MacAdam, Sydney, Gerard (Joanne) MacAdam, Egbert, Ont.; Paul (Margaret) MacAdam, Mira. After John's death, she later married John MacDonald, becoming a widow after 16 short months.
Stella's life remained full and busy through the birth of 11 grandchildren, who kept her travelling from coast to coast. She lived for the next graduation, engagement, birth announcement and answered proudly and swiftly to the names of Nanny Donald, Gramma, and even 'that old goat'. Many a sleepover night was spent on Lorne Street or Trout Brook Road at the bungalow, with late night confidences and a trust never broken.
Later blessed with 14 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way, Stella waited eagerly for new pictures and updates. Right down to posing for a four generation picture, with Butter 'the boa constrictor', Grand Nan was a fierce participant in our lives, with every celebration.
One of the Lorne Street ladies, with daily teas and trips to St. Theresa's for mass. Nan was always on the road, maintaining a busy social calendar. Her presence at weekly lunches, card games, crafting sessions, and those Sunday drives; coupled with visits to East Bay, Marion Bridge and Glace Bay, reunited with her fellow RN graduates, friendships fostered longer than most of us enjoy an earthly existence. From trips to Vegas and the UK to jaunts to Calgary and Toronto, Stella balanced her bucket list with family commitments. She was a member of St. Theresa’s parish, Retired Nurses Association, St. Joseph’s Alumni and RCL Branch 12 Ladies Auxiliary.
A special thanks to all Stella's dear friends, family and those medical staff that attended her, adding to her happiness and comfort with calls, treats, treatments and shared remembrances. Know that your acts of friendship and kindness were cherished and often relayed, with a bit of mischief, allowing for a peaceful passing. We seek comfort in her reunion with those loved ones lost and the memories of those who remain to mark her passing.
No visitation will be held, as directed by Stella, in no uncertain terms. There will be a funeral mass held at St Theresa's Church this Thursday, April 7th at 11 a.m. Fr. Lamey will officiate, with ashes to be interned at Resurrection Cemetery.
For all who wish, an act of kindness may be performed in Stella's memory or a donation made to the Cancer Care Fund, at the C.B. Regional Hospital.
All online condolences may be submitted to www.twcurry.com.
