Obituary of Claire MacDonald

"Yesterday the world suffered the loss of an amazing lady. She was always my biggest supporter and made me feel like I could do no wrong. She was a very caring, loving woman who cherished us all like her own children. I’m so thankful to have been blessed with her high spirits for this long and I will continue to keep that with me forever. I know we never got to have that lunch date but that’s okay. I love you Aunt Claire, say hi to Nana for me." The above note, written by her niece Madison a short time after her death, truly exemplifies the feelings that we all had for this faithful servant of God. It is therefore with the deepest of sad feelings that the family of Claire (Odgie) MacDonald announce her death on August 30th, 2016. Born February 14th, 1931 to Roderick (Odgie) MacDonald and Christena (Cameron) MacDonald, Claire was the second oldest of six children. At a very early age she realized that she had a special devotion to the health needs of others and when age and education permitted , she enrolled at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Glace Bay, going on to graduate in 1953. Following graduation, she went to work at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston. From there, she moved on to Cornell Medical Center in New York where she excelled as a nurse and enjoyed a long and successful career doing what she loved to do. Following the serious illness of her mother, Claire took a leave of absence from Cornell Medical Center, returned home and began classes at St. Francis Xavier University, graduating with her BSc in Nursing. She returned to her nursing duties at Cornell Medical Center and took her mother and sister, Miriam, back with her to New York. Claire continued to work in New York for some time but at some point decided that looking after a sick mother and younger sister would be better accomplished in her home town of Antigonish, and so they moved home. From this point, and for the next number of years, Claire’s life was devoted to the health needs of others. She taught at the St. FX School of Nursing and worked with Martha Home Care. Two areas close to her heart received her special attention. She started the Ostomy Society of Antigonish and with the help of Dr. Ken MacKinnon she initiated and developed the Palliative Care Society of Antigonish. Through Palliative Care, Claire spent numerous hours catering to the needs of the dying and making every effort to ease pain and suffering. Many stories have come to light in the last few days that accentuate her desire to help others. She volunteered on the L’arche Board, CACL, at the apartment complex in which she lived, and was a member of the CWL. Her devotion to mass, prayers and the church were the centerpieces of her life. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Kenneth, his wife Marcie, and sisters Miriam and Beverly (Bill) MacNeil. Claire is survived by her sisters Isabel (John) Tramble and Abigail, nephews Ian and Neil Tramble, Kenneth and Rod MacNeil, Nieces Kelly Cullen, Abigail Cook, Christine Farber, Denise and Nicole MacDonald. She is also survived by a number of grand nieces and nephews. Claire received excellent, professional care during her brief illness and for this her family is most thankful. To the nurses and doctors at the ICU in Antigonish and to the doctors and nursing staff at 6.1 Halifax Infirmary, words alone cannot express our appreciation. You were most patient with family members as we came and went. Your professionalism and expertise were always so obvious. Thank you. Those wishing to do so may donate in Claire’s name to the Palliative Care Society of Antigonish town and county, to L’arche or a charity of their choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Visitation will take place Sunday, September 4th from 2 PM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 9 PM. Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 AM on Monday, September 5th at St Ninian’s Cathedral, Father Donald MacGillivray presiding. Burial in the Parish Cemetery.