Obituary of Mary Claire MacDonald

83, of Halifax NS passed away peacefully in the early hours December 27, 2010 at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre surrounded by her cherished and loving family. Born August 12, 1927 in Halifax NS, she was married to the late Elroy Norman MacDonald, love of her life for over 50 years, and was the daughter of the late Clayton Samuel and Lillian (Meehan) Bulger. Claire was raised in the north end of Halifax and upon leaving school held several jobs. Most notably, during World War II, she worked as an Electricians Mate at the Halifax Shipyard building destroyers for the RCN. She resided for most of her life in Spryfield NS and was an extremely proud member of the community. She was a founding member of the Spryfield Lioness Club and remained actively involved with the Lioness for well over 40 years. She was a charter member of TOPS NS 271 Halifax. Above all, Claire was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She absolutely treasured her precious family and would always get an enormous amount of pleasure from spending time with them. The many weekend gatherings at the cottage in East Dalhousie NS were particularly special to her. She was an avid reader, craftsperson, had a remarkable ability for solving the toughest of word puzzles, and received great enjoyment from listening to her favourite hymns. Claire left an indelible impression on all who met her as a kind and giving person. She made friends effortlessly and genuinely loved people. There was no such thing as a stranger to Claire, just a friend that she had not yet met. She is survived by her son Richard (Margaret), Calgary AB; daughter Linda Kennedy (Larry), Halifax NS; son Stephen (Brenda), Cole Harbour NS; daughters Laurie Bryson (Dave), Bedford NS; and Karen Steele (Danny), Harrietsfield NS; Granddaughters Peggy, Sheri, Stephanie, Andrea, Lauren, and Kelly, Grandsons Sheldon, Tim, Bruce, and Matthew; 3 Great Granddaughters and 5 Great Grandsons that she just absolutely adored; brothers Fred, Toronto ON; Stanley, Halifax NS; sisters Marie, Lower Sackville NS; Joyce, Calgary AB; Lorraine, Calgary AB; and many nephews and nieces across the country. She was predeceased by her sisters Rita and Shirley (Nancy), and brothers William, Edward, Gerald, and Reginald. The family would sincerely like to thank the entire staff at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre - Community Health Unit 8.4 for their tremendous care, support, compassion, and just being there over the last couple of weeks. Words cannot express how much this meant to the family. The spiritual and inspirational guidance provided by Pastor Carl Price was comforting to both Claire and her family, who are deeply appreciative. From past Lioness members to TOPS pals, there was always an outpouring of friends that filled Claire's room with joy, recounting fond memories and sharing humorous anecdotes while listening and singing her favourite hymns. Funeral arrangements and care are under the direction J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Rd, Halifax NS 902-477-5601. Visitation hours will be Thursday, December 30th between 3-8pm. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home chapel at 11am on Friday, December 31st , with Pastor Carl Price officiating. Reception to follow with interment in Oakridge Memory Gardens. Donations may be made to the IWK Cleft Palate Clinic.