Obituary of Virginia MacDonald

Age 85, of Spryfield, formerly of Sunny Brae, Pictou County, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2020, with her daughter by her side at the Halifax Hospice.

Virginia was the daughter of the late Finlay H. MacDonald and Mary Ann (nee Somerville).  Virginia started her career in New Glasgow, hired by her cousin, Henry R. Thompson, where she learned the value of money, payroll and financial responsibility. She went on to work as a payroll clerk for Sobey's in their head office in Stellarton, the town where she met the love of her life, the late Daniel William MacDonald.  She and Dad married in 1957, moved and settled in Spryfield, Nova Scotia, to begin their matrimonial life.  It is there where she began her most valued career as a homemaker, wife and mother of two children.
Virginia is lovingly remembered as an associate working in ladieswear at "The Met" in the Spryfield Mall in the 1970's.  Virginia thoroughly enjoyed those years and fondly remembered her colleagues and regular customers who came in to say hello. 

Mum was diagnosed with cancer in the Spring of 2016, and she handled the news and her transition on her journey with strength, courage and positivity. She was never one to complain and always had the motto of taking things "one day at a time".  To capture her beauty in a few simple words seems impossible, but to those who knew her, they felt her positive outlook through her smile and words.  The courage she displayed throughout her illness was an amazing thing to witness.  She rarely complained and she continued to carry herself with grace, and share her beautiful sense of humor.  Mum easily taught us so much about life, love, family and the strength in the power of positive thinking.  She was always looking on the bright side of things.  She loved bingo, and was able to convince many of her family members to attend at least one bingo night with her. Mum also enjoyed a good ole game of crib or 45's with her husband and family. Mum's spirit will live on in those who share her love of gamesmanship and community connection.   

Virginia is survived by her son, Paul (Andrea) MacDonald; daughter, Jane (Scott) Stevens; grandchildren, Jordan Ash (Danielle), Nadine MacDonald; twin granddaughters, Jennifer and Nicole MacDonald; brothers Gerald MacDonald and Judge Clyde Macdonald, both of New Glasgow and sister-in-law, Colette MacDonald of Ottawa, several nieces and nephews, who she absolutely adored.

Virginia also felt blessed to have gained two "honourary grand-daughters" when Jane married Scott.  Kaylee Stevens and Maggie Stevens, and two "honourary great-grandsons", Leif Stevens and Thorin Stevens, brought much joy to Virginia's life.

Virginia was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Marion Carney and Nancy Raymond, brother Reginald and infant sibling Alice Diane.  Just six short months ago, her husband Daniel was called home and Virginia has now gone to join him.

Special thanks to Mum's Oncologist, Dr. Alwin Jeyakumar and Nurse Kim Poirier who followed and supported Mum through her journey.  Their encouraging and gentle nature was so appreciated by Mum and her daughter as they attended and discussed the next steps and options of treatment, always taking the time to recognize her strength and resiliance throughout this time.

Arrangements are entrusted to J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax. A celebration of Virginia's life will be held at a later date.  Internment will be on Friday, June 12th, at 1:00 p.m., in the Sunny Brae Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Virginia's memory can be sent to Clyde Macdonald, secretary treasurer of the Sunny Brae War Memorial Society, at 140 Temperance St., New Glasgow, NS B2H 3A7. The family also requests that you please consider donating personal items to aid in the care of the residents at the Halifax Hospice, a non-profit organization.  A list of commonly required items can be found at halifaxhospice.ca.  

Mum, you are an angel watching over us. We will never forget you and we will always miss you. We are so happy that you are with Dad again.  We wish we had more time, but we take comfort in knowing you are at peace with the love of your life.