Mora Kathleen MacDonald
Born: February 11th, 1933
Passed on: January 7th, 2017
It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt - Mora Kathleen MacDonald, age 83, on January 7, 2017, at home surrounded by her family, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born February 11, 1933, the 7th of 11 children born to the late Daniel and Jane (Smith) Nicholson. Mora grew up in Birch Grove, spending her whole life in this community. After attending Normal College to become a teacher, she taught at the Birch Grove School. At age 21 she married the love of her life, Vernon, with whom she was married for 62 years. Together, they raised four children who were the center of their universe.
Mora enjoyed spending time with her husband Vernon. They took drives, gardened extensively on their property and enjoyed many fishing trips together where Mora always caught the fish. She was an excellent baker and was known for her delicious shortbread cookies and oatcakes. A member of Union Presbyterian Church, Mira Ferry, Mora was a quiet, selfless and caring person, whose greatest joy in life was being surrounded by her family. Left to mourn are husband, Vernon; daughters, Nancy (Blair) Hopkins and Heather (Donald) Giovannetti; son, Blair (Leslie) MacDonald; grandchildren, Mora Dawn Giovannetti (Kevin Nolan), Alison Giovannetti (Darren Gallop), Alex McDonald (Savannah Taylor), Beth McDonald (Matthew Graham); great granddaughter, Sophie Carol Graham; son-in-law, John (Donna) McDonald and step grandchildren, Ken and Angela Hopkins. Also surviving are sisters, Audrey Burke, Jean MacInnis, Peggy (Bill) Hummer, Florence (Freeman) Vokey; brothers, Roy (Beverly) Nicholson, Murray Nicholson; sisters-in-law, Helen Nicholson and Isabel Snow. Mora is also survived by many nieces and nephews, which she held near and dear to her heart. Mora is predeceased by daughter, Carol Jane McDonald; granddaughter, Margaret Jane in infancy; brothers, Wesley, Allan and Donald Nicholson and sister, Neila MacRury. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 14th, 2017, from 1-3 p.m. with a service to celebrate her life immediately following at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union Street, Glace Bay. Donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation Canada, Palliative Care Cape Breton or Union Presbyterian Church, Mira Ferry. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Ellerker and staff at the Glace Bay Hospital, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and Palliative Care Unit along with the EMHS for their excellent care and professionalism.
