Obituary of Teresa "PD" MacDonald

Mary Teresa (O’Flaherty) MacDonald, 92, passed away on May 17^th. at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home. Born in 1925 in Montreal, Quebec, she was the daughter of the late Ed O’Flaherty and Elizabeth “Mamie” (Vauthier) O’Flaherty. She was the last surviving member of her family. She was predeceased by sisters, Eleanor, Margaret, Agnes and Mildred and brothers Ted, Ed and Leonard.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Peter Donald “P.D” MacDonald and her second husband, Malcolm “Mac” Roberts.

She is survived by her children Michael, Mary, Don, Leonard (Betty), Eleanor, Gerard (Karen), Tom (Catherine) and Teresa, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was also predeceased by son- in -law, Louis Brosha and granddaughter, Audrey Hibbs.

Mom was a force of nature. After raising a large family, she put her considerable organizational skills to the test in several managerial positions including McKenna’s Drug Store, The Claymore Motel and Alteen’s Jewelers. She completed her work career as the coordinator of The Antigonish Town and County Home Care where she and her dear friend and colleague, Beulah McPhee, delivered services to area senior citizens.

She was proud of her Irish heritage and taught us many Irish songs. Music was a big part of her life right up until the end. She was a very capable piano player and could carry the evening at the legendary parties at 39 Hillcrest Street. Even when she became a resident at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home and in declining health, she could still play countless war era tunes from memory.

Mom was never afraid to try new things and she had a great sense of adventure. She went go carting at the age of 90 and probably would have gone zip lining or parachuting if given the opportunity. She was committed to her community and taught us the importance of social justice and doing our share. She enjoyed volunteering at the Food Bank and with St.Vincent de Paul.

Mom was a doer and urged her children to follow suit. Her mantra could be summarized as follows: Show up on time; say please and thank you; do what you say you’re going to do and finish what you start.

Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 pm Wednesday, June 20, 2018 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11am Thursday, June 21, 2018 in St. Ninian's Cathedral, Antigonish, Rev Donald MacGillivray presiding.

Mom was always generous with her time and her resources. Instead of spending money on flowers, to which she would vehemently object (!), please make a donation in her memory to the Antigonish Food Bank or St.Vincent de Paul.

“When Irish eyes are smiling, sure tis like a morn in spring,

In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing.”