Obituary of Mary Lillian MacDonald

Mary Lillian MacDonald, 91, died peacefully in Mary’s Court, Parkland, Antigonish, on February 27, 2025. The third of ten children, Mary was the daughter of Billy Colin MacDonald and Kitty MacFarlane of James River, Antigonish County.  Mary was predeceased by her parents; twin sister Ann (wife of Donnie Steele); brothers Colin (Ann); Ronald (Ann Marie); brother-in-law John Budris (New York).  She is lovingly remembered by her siblings Tena; Catherine, CND (Sydney); Eunice (Tony) McKinley, London, Ontario; Willena (New York); Roddie (Brenda); and Maggie; brother-in law Donnie Steele (Ann Marie) North Sydney; sisters-in-law Ann and Ann Marie; thirteen nieces and nephews; seventeen grand-nephews and grand-nieces; numerous cousins and cherished friends.

Born tiny and fragile, Mary persevered to live a life of deep faith, unwavering family devotion, and an enduring passion for StFX University athletics. Educated in a one-room schoolhouse in James River and later in Mabou, she joined the Sisters of Saint Martha, taking the religious name Sister Catherine Vincent (Kitty V), and served faithfully for over 25 years. In 1970, she began her work at the StFX Library for 29 years under the direction of her dear friend, the late Fr. Brewer. She then served for 11 years as sacristan of the University Chapel. As Mary noted, her time at StFX was one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Mary was an enthusiastic supporter of StFX athletics. A small but mighty and familiar presence at basketball, hockey and football games, she closely followed their seasons both in person and, in her later years, via livestream. She co-organized the pre-game prayer services for the football team and helped energize and prepare the boys for their games. As a former athlete noted, “She is a core memory of my time at X.” In recognition of her contributions, the team created the Father Stan and Mary Lillian Award. To her immense pride and utter shock, Mary received an honorary X-Ring from her niece’s Class of 2002. Topping off her list of accolades, this humble woman was named a “Friend of St. F.X.” in 2010 and co-recipient of the X-Ceptional Award in 2013.

Retirement brought new opportunities for Mary. She was able to travel, including an Alaskan cruise and many bus trips with her cousins, and visit relatives and friends. Always prepared with a good natured retort and a ready laugh, Mary loved a good chat, a hearty meal, and a party. She never missed an occasion to celebrate her beloved family and friends and was diligent with her greeting cards - always a few days early, written in her lovely, loopy script. She doted on her nieces and nephews, and then her grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Her generosity was manifest in the X swag sported by everyone in the family from babies to teens.  Her prayers for her family and friends were faithful and unceasing, her card hands were always well played and timely (drawing the ace of hearts at a key moment) and her authenticity, genuine interest in others, and generosity of time was manifest by her wide array of friends and admirers far and wide. And Mary always had a special place in her heart for the clergy and religious sisters.

In her later years, Mary resided in Mary’s Court, coming full circle in a way. Enduring the COVID years, vision loss, and other infirmities, she maintained her sharp humour, card playing prowess, and care for others, despite her occasional melancholy.  Mary continued to give thanks to God through daily prayer with her breviary, recitation of the Rosary and faithful participation in the Mass as she patiently waited for Jesus to call her home.

We will miss her terribly but are so grateful for the abundant graces of the Holy Spirit poured out upon this good, humble Catholic woman.  We entrust her to the infinite mercy of the Father. May we all meet again one day in our Eternal Home. We know that Mary will continue to pray unceasingly for that glorious day.

We deeply regret that all who desire to attend her funeral cannot be physically present. We are consoled in the knowledge that whenever we pray and attend Mass, we are united as branches of the same vine under the tender loving care of Our Lord.

Mary’s family deeply appreciates the staff and Sisters of St Martha at Mary’s Court for their love and care.  May we all continue to be inspired by Mary’s remarkable life to bring God’s love and mercy to those around us.  

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM on Monday, March 3rd in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday in St. Ninian Cathedral, Reverend John Barry presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to SJ Hillside Cemetery Association (Registered charity for St. Joseph’s Cemetery) or to the St. Ninian’s Foundation.