It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Janet Margaret (MacDonald) Dowling, age 95, on September 29, 2011 at Valley View Villa, Riverton, NS.
Janet was born in South Harbour, NS on September 25, 1916 to the late Annie (Buchanan) and Daniel J. MacDonald.
Janet started her working career as a cook at the original Buchanan Memorial Hospital and when given the opportunity, moved to Halifax to attend nursing training at the Grace Maternity Hospital, graduating and achieving her lifelong goal on May 5, 1945.
For a short period of time she nursed in Sydney at the Salvation Army Hospital but soon felt the pull of her Northern Cape Breton roots and returned to Neil’s Harbour to once again work at Buchanan Memorial. Janet nursed at both the hospital and doctor’s offices for the remainder of her career – retiring in 1982.
In her later years – due to failing health she left her beloved Cape Breton and moved to Thorburn, Pictou County, to be cared for by her daughter Francine and family. In December 2009 she moved to Valley View Villa in Riverton and was treated like a queen by the staff of the Villa for the next two years.
Janet is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Francine and Kenneth Muirhead, grandsons David and Connor, all of Linacy, Pictou County; her son and daughter-in-law David and Marie MacDonald of Ingonish, NS; also surviving are her sister Hectorine MacDougall of Glace Bay as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
Janet was predeceased by her husband Frank Edward Dowling in August 1982, sisters: Jane, Mary, Edith and Evelyn, brothers Donnie B. and Munro.
In her later years Janet yearned for Northern Cape Breton and did make a few trips back there – now with the grace of God she will be able to spend her days watching over the waves in the Back Cove and resting with her partner in life Frank.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place in St Peter’s Presbyterian Church, Neil’s Harbour on Monday, October 3, 2011 from 12 until 2 p.m.
A celebration of her life will be held in the church at 2 p.m. with Rev. Richard Robinson officiating.
Burial will be in St. Andrew’s Anglican Cemetery.
Donations in her memory may be made to Valley View Villa, Riverton or to St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church, Neil’s Harbour.
Online condolences may be sent to angusfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca