Obituary of Dorothy Mae MacDonald

Dorothy Mae MacDonald passed away peacefully surrounded by family in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on November 3rd, 2024.

She was born in New Glasgow on June 22, 1942 to Dorothy and John Duff. Dorothy moved to Antigonish after marrying Leo MacDonald in 1963. She worked at Dominion Store and R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home before becoming a full-time homemaker. She was an amazing baker and there were always treats, with a cup of tea, when anyone came to visit. She was renowned for her crocheting skills, often giving away her homemade blankets to family and friends.

She is survived by her husband George “Buddy” MacDonald. Daughter Cindy and her husband Joey, or as Dorothy called him, “her favorite son-in-law” (Timberlea); son Leo and his wife Christine (Port Hawkesbury); brothers Harvey Duff (Trenton); Cecil Duff (Gibsons, B.C); daughter-in-law Crystal MacDonald and her son Josh; granddaughters Amanda Gurney and Michelle Smith (Matthew Smith); great-grandchildren Jayla and Matthew Smith. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the loves of her life, often telling stories about them to anyone who would listen. Dorothy also leaves behind granddaughter, Cairine MacDonald and her three children Wyatt, Cash & Opie and grandson Connor MacDonald, all living in the USA.

She was predeceased by her first husband Leo MacDonald, her parents Dorothy MacGillivary, John Duff, brothers Jimmy Duff, John Duff, sister Shirley Davenport and step-son, James “Jimmy” MacDonald.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 pm on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Friday, November 8th, 2024 in St. Ninian Cathedral, Reverend Eugene Morris presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Rice and Dr. Che,  as well as the palliative care nurses at St. Martha's who took amazing care of Dorothy during her illness. Your thoughtfulness and kindness will always be remembered by the family.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Martha's Palliative Care unit c/o SMRH Foundation.