Obituary of Velma Virginia MacDonald

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother (Nana), great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, Velma MacDonald (née Bates), who passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2026.

Velma was born on November 30, 1928, in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, to the late Patrick and Delena Bates. She spent many cherished summers in Catalone Lake, where her lifelong love of family, nature, and community first took root. Velma attended St. Martha’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1950. During those years, she and her nursing friends often ventured toward east-end Main Street, frequently in search of a particularly handsome brown-eyed young man. It was there she met the love of her life, Allister. Together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage while raising five children and building a remarkable family legacy that now includes 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Velma is survived by her children: Colin (Denise), Creignish; Catherine (Duncan) Chisholm; A.G. (Collette); Terese (Al) Tracey; and Allan (Bonnie), all of Antigonish; daughter-in-law Madonna MacFarlane; grandchildren Chelsy (Randy) MacEachern, Christie (Quinn) and Allister MacDonald (Lucas); Terese (Kevin MacDougall), Allison, Kate and RD Chisholm (Erin);  Morgan (Jacklyn), Connor (Maggie), Emma and Marcus MacDonald and Luc Cote; Grant, Caralena (Jonathan), and Patti-Anne Tracey; Cynthia, Bryce, and Julia MacDonald; and great-grandchildren Rory, Tessa, Joey, Carmen, Rhylyn, Lydia, Alysen, and Natalia. She is survived by her brother Cyril (Dotty) Bates of Massachusetts, USA, along with cherished friends Joan MacIsaac, Marion Oicle, Shebby MacDonald, and Marie Cormier.

Since Allister’s passing, Velma was blessed to have Fenita Gabriel by her side as caregiver, companion, gardener, walking partner, and dear friend, allowing her to continue enjoying the comfort and independence of her own home.

Besides her parents, Velma was predeceased by her beloved husband Allister; sisters Selica Mesher, Patricia MacDonald, Dolly McNeil, Theresa Lulik, and Anna Hines; and brother Alphonsus Bates.

Nana’s presence was marked by her radiant smile, elegant style, and warm, gentle nature that endeared her to everyone she met. To those closest to her, she was truly an angel on earth — a loving mother, sister, aunt, friend, and a steady guiding light in their lives.

Her family was the center of her world and always held the most treasured place in her heart. Beyond her devotion to those she loved, Velma found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Staying active was important to her, and she faithfully maintained her fitness routine throughout her life. Her daily walks — recognizable by the familiar bounce in her step and often accompanied by one of her many dogs. She loved swimming in her pool in Arisaig and always welcomed others to join her. She also enjoyed downhill skiing at Keppoch Mountain and cross-country skiing at Beaver Mountain.

Velma was well known for her baking talents, earning the affectionate titles of “cookie queen” and maker of the very best bunny rolls. She delighted in tending her flower gardens, watching the Arisaig sunsets with her daily glass of wine (or two!), and keeping her knitting needles close at hand during the many road trips she shared with Allister to various work sites over the years.

Renowned for her impeccable organizational skills and gift for entertaining, Velma and Allister took immense pride in hosting gatherings at their beloved summer home in Arisaig. Family reunions, nursing reunions, anniversaries, weddings, celebrations, and countless other milestones became treasured memories because of the warmth and hospitality they so generously shared.

Through her selflessness, unwavering faith, daily prayers to Saint Anne, and boundless love for others, Velma leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, grace, and warmth that will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace and feel profoundly grateful to have shared in her remarkable life for 97 beautiful years.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm on Thursday, May 14th in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Friday in St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Arisaig, Reverend Peter MacDonald presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Antigonish Palliative Care Society, VON Antigonish or the Antigonish Community Food Bank.

Love you to the moon and back, Vellie.