Hazel Violet (Barnes) MacDonald
Passed on: November 3rd, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Hazel Violet MacDonald (Barnes), on November 3, 2018. She died peacefully at the Strait Richmond Hospital (Evanston) surrounded by her loving family.
She was pre-deceased by her mother, Olive Burton (Barnes); step-father, Wilfred Burton, both of Ashington, Sussex County, England, and a baby brother in infancy.
She is survived by daughters, Christine MacDonald (John O’Brien), Glendale, Diane Dowe (Danny), Chéticamp, Shirley Davis, Port Hawkesbury, Joyce MacDonald (Paul Lindgreen), Halifax; grandchildren, Daniel Dowe (Natasha), Fort St. John, BC, David Dowe (Simone Goudreau), Yellowknife, NWT, Holly Davis-McCarthy (Vincent), Halifax, Heidi Davis (Crystal O’Brien), Sydney, Cayley Lindgreen, Halifax; great-grandchildren, Torin, Sebastian, Jaida and Isaac of Yellowknife, NWT, Bhreagh and Kenzie of Fort St. John, BC. She is also survived by her sister, Brenda Edgington of Steyning, England; her niece, Beverly; nephews, Andrew and Trevor; great-nieces, Sarah, Gemma, Rosie, Carlene, and great-nephew, Ben, all residing in England.
Hazel was born in Fallowfield, West Didsbury, Manchester, England on May 26, 1926. She spent her early years growing up in Ashington, Sussex County, England, of which she shared many fond memories. Hazel was very proud of her British heritage. She immigrated to Canada on the Queen Mary on June 6, 1946, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax as a war-bride. She was a hardworking stay-at-home mom, working odd jobs while her girls were young before taking on the role of housekeeper/cook for St. Mary’s Convent, Port Hawkesbury, for 18 years— and boy could she cook! To this day no one can master her stew recipe.
In her later years Hazel enjoyed bowling and darts for which she won many trophies in both Port Hawkesbury and Sydney. She made many friends and acquaintances wherever she went. It was her friendly, warm demeanour, and quick wit that drew people to her. Hazel was a lover of people and animals and was happiest when surrounded by the joy and laughter of family and friends. You couldn’t find a woman more proud of her family than Hazel. She lit up when anyone of them stopped in to visit her. She was a woman of great strength and resilience, who often used humour to ease her worries. It was this humour that eased her family’s pain in her final days with them.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the care provided to Hazel by the staff at My Cape Breton Home for Seniors (Westmount), Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home and a special sincere thanks to the staff at the Strait Richmond Hospital for the comfort and care provided during her final days.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A private family memorial service is under the direction of Green’s Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. A celebration of life will be held at the Port Hawkesbury Curling Club on Saturday, November 10, from 3-7 p.m. — all are welcome to join for some music and laughter. Hazel’s ashes will be returned to her homeland in the spring with her daughter Shirley.
Arrangements are under the direction of Greens Funeral Home 507 Bernard St., Port Hawkesbury.
