Obituary of Theresa MacDonald

Funeral Video Link    https://youtu.be/PGWKlovV-M0

Theresa (Chisholm) MacDonald of the Antigonish Manor, Age 95, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2022, in Saint Martha’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit with family at her side.  Theresa was born in Heatherton, Antigonish Co, on May 15, 1926.  She was one of seven children of James R Chisholm (“Jimmy Colin Jim”) and Mary MacDonald and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

 She is survived by daughter Kaye Marie (Graham Chisholm) Gaspereaux Lake; sons Terry (Christine Aucoin) Dartmouth; Tony (Caroline McVicar) Antigonish; Robert (Kate MacDonald) Cole Harbour; Graham (Sharon McKeough) Truro; Greg (Denise Sampson), Antigonish; 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Dorothy Chisholm, Ottawa. 

Theresa was predeceased by Daniel Alexander MacDonald, her husband of 48 years and by four sisters Anne (Les) Gardiner, Alberta, Rita (A.J.) Gillis, Pinevale, Kaye (Orvis) MacNeil, Pictou, Mary (Frank) Glenn, Heatherton and two brothers Colin (Mary Alice) Chisholm Saint Andrews and Laughlin (Dorothy) Chisholm, Ottawa.  She was also predeceased by grandson Ryan Daniel MacDonald, and great granddaughter Kamryn Olivia MacDonald. 

Theresa’s parents died when she was very young and Theresa and her brother Collie spent their formative years at Roddie and Sarah Chisholm’s in Lower South River.  Although excelling in high school, Theresa and Collie always wondered how life would have evolved if they had the opportunity for higher education.  Theresa married Danny in 1948 and moved to Beaver Meadow where she took on the role of farmer’s wife and homemaker.  Family started shortly thereafter, and Mom started to show her real skill in homemaking which was second to none.  She mastered the kitchen, feeding 6 kids, and many adults, especially at haymaking and thrashing mill seasons and as well, she took part in many farm chores.  Besides the kitchen, Mom was an expert craftsperson and either sewed or knitted much of the clothes worn by the children and grandchildren.  Her sweaters were passed down amongst many of the kids and grandkids. When the children were grown, Mom worked outside the home as a Library Assistant at the Angus L. MacDonald Library on St.F.X.University.

Mom’s enjoyment in life came from many areas, a good cup of tea, crossword puzzles, game shows, a good game of cards, socializing and her single little nip of the captain before bedtime.  Above all, Mom enjoyed socializing with her many friends and old neighbours and took tremendous pride in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was very quick to brag about their many exploits.

Mom was a past member of Saint Joseph’s Parish CWL, Saint Andrew’s Parish CWL, Saint Andrew’s Oak and Owl Club and the Highland Curling Club. 

The family would like to thank the fine work of the staff at Saint Martha’s Emergency and Palliative Care Units.

Visitation will take place from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Monday April 11th in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St. Funeral Mass 11 am Tuesday in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph’s, Rev. Charles Cameron presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery at a later date.  Family flowers only please.  Donations on Theresa’s behalf may be made to the Saint Martha’s Palliative Care Unit or to the Saint Joseph’s Cemetery Fund at “The SJ Hillside Cemetery Association”. Attendees are requested to wear face masks and to be fully vaccinated.