Shirley Roberta (Barss) MacDonald
Lieu de naissance : Hazel Hill, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Lieu de décès : Sydney River, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 4 août 2009
Shirley died peacefully on Aug. 4, 2009, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care.
Born in Hazel Hill, N.S., she was the eldest daughter of Walter Edna (Horton) Barss.
Shirley grew up in Louisbourg and moved to Sydney at 16, attended Sydney Academy and worked at Woolworths, Eatons and McCurdys. In 1939 she married Malcolm S. MacDonald, residing in Howie Centre. Upon the death of her mother in 1941, she returned to her family home to care for her siblings and raise her own five children.
Shirley’s support and fortitude enabled her husband to establish Malcolm S MacDonald Co. Ltd. & Ben Eoin Beach Ltd. She worked summers at the campground from 1962 to 1996 (building many lifelong friendships) and was a member and director of the Campground Owners Assoc. of NS, 81-94.
She was a founding member of the United Protestant Church of Sydney River, lifetime member and past president of United Church Women, Sunday school teacher, Explorer, CGIT leader and a choir member for over 50 years. She was a lifetime elder of the church, member of the official board and catered many suppers for the board of stewards. She also gained a reputation as ‘the tea maker’ for various functions in MacLeod Hall. She was also a member of the Sons of Temperance and a 20-year member of the Presbytery and Maritime Conference. Shirley served as president of the Barincroft Ladies Auxiliary (1975-98) and as a board member. She was also a dedicated canvasser for various medical charities. Shirley received a Volunteer of the Year award in 1983.
As a member of Clan Donald & Angus of C.B. and N.S., Shirley hosted many clan gatherings at her summer home and served on the clan committee. On her 80th birthday, Shirley’s recipes became a published cookbook. An avid traveller, Shirley visited many countries. She loved reading, baking, letter writing, knitting, shopping and gift giving.
She is survived by sons, Graeme (Carol Alexander), Albert (Maureen Barrington), Walter (Alexis Smith); daughters, Nancy (Wayne Lohnes), Sydney, Joyce (Rev. Michael Kaye), Brantford, Ont.; 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Fran MacLean, Dartmouth, Aurora Johnson, Sydney River; brothers, Sedley (Ann) Barss, Chester, N.S.; brother-in-law, Charles (June) MacDonald, Howie Centre; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Malcolm S., brother, Walter Barss (Anita), sister, Alaire (James Kerr), brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald MacLean, Dartmouth, Norman Johnson, John Y. (Evelyn) MacDonald, Sydney River, Vernon (Thelma) MacDonald, Kentville, Gertrude (Harold) Nickerson, Halifax, and grandson, Peter Lohnes in infancy.
A funeral service will be held Aug. 8, 11 a.m., at the United Protestant Church of Sydney River. A reception follows in MacLeod Hall with a private family burial at Alfred Smith Memorial Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Rev. Thomas Whent and Rev. Dana Feltmate will officiate.
Memorials may be made to the United Protestant Church of Sydney River or charity of choice.
The family offers sincere thanks to the dedicated staff at Fisherman’s Cove, Harbourstone Enhanced Care.
Condolences may be sent to the family at sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
