Adelaide MacDonald
Lieu de naissance : Sydney Mines, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Lieu de décès : Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 9 décembre 2009
A reserved modest demure figure has departed our midst. Adelaide MacDonald, 101, slipped away peacefully Wednesday, December 9, 2009, leaving this life as she entered it, quietly and gracefully. Adelaide’s serene passing is a sorrowful loss to her family/relatives as well as her Harbourstone family at Mira Bay, (residents and staff), both respecting her as a unique, dignified human being.
Born in Sydney Mines, she was the daughter of the late David and Bridgett (Peck) MacDonald; she was predeceased by a brother, Richard Anthony MacDonald. Adelaide was the last surviving member of her family and the eldest resident at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Kenwood Drive, where she was a resident for the last seven years. She held iconic status in both families.
Adelaide’s working career spanning over 40 years saw her in such occupations as an operator with Maritime Tel & Tel in the early years, later moving on to Canada Post as an agent and finishing up her livelihood as a member of the Customer Service staff with the T. Eaton & Co. order office in Sydney Mines.
In the quiet mild manner in which she lived out her life devoted to Church and family, Adelaide was a faithful member of the congregation of Immaculate Conception, Sydney Mines. She spent many years as an active member of the CWL in that parish as well as a member of their choir. The church would resound to her unique soprano pitch. She and her cousin Alice enjoyed their 45’s and bridge clubs. Her hours of needlepoint and crocheting were rewarded at the church fairs as popular sought after items; knitted items were reserved for family. She was an avid baseball fan keeping stats on her favorite team as well as the competition. The remainder of her time would be spent on challenging crossword puzzles and chryptoquotes keeping her mind keen and sharp her entire life. She attended and participated in her yearly evaluations and assessments up to and including earlier this year. Her generosity was demonstrated to local charities and church in her home town and volunteering was also a part of her earlier years. Her rosary was never out of reach and the exemplary Christian life she led was a major contributing factor to her longevity. She would attest to that fact often.
Left to mourn are her cousins Mary, Gerard and Patsy Quirk, North Sydney, always referred to as her immediate family at her request, along with her extended family by proxy, the Mira Bay Staff, both provided her with tender, compassionate and loving care. There are also various cousins throughout the Maritime Provinces and Western Canada.
At this time words cannot express our sincere gratitude to the staff that understood Adelaide’s spirited and feisty episodes as out of character and were handled with an unyielding level of professionalism and composure. However, they also recognized her private and reserved mannerisms and doted on them with the greatest respect as part of her unique personality. Adelaide’s reciprocal affectionate loving gestures were embraced by the staff and accepted fondly as rewards for their empathy and kindness. Their elation, reverence and appreciation toward this special lady were expressed in their tone when relating stories and events of the day. Our genuine, heartfelt appreciation is extended to all of you. Special thanks to Dr. Glen Gracie for his care through the years.
There will be no visitation by request. Cremation will take place under the direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A memorial mass and interment will take place at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca
