Obituary of Pamela Margaret MacDonald

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pamela Margaret MacDonald, 56, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with chronic illness, surrounded by loving family.

Pam was kind-hearted, jovial and generous; a mother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved without condition, laughed easily and was always there when you needed her. She was unpretentious, honest and sensitive; and a gifted teacher who saw the good in everyone. She will be dearly missed.

Born in Antigonish on November 26, 1969, Pam was the daughter of the late John Edward (“Eddie”) and Brenda Jean (Chisholm) MacDonald. She was deeply proud of her roots in Arisaig and carried a lifelong love of family and community.

Pam was devoted to her family and took care to preserve its history by frequently sharing stories of its accomplishments. In her early years, she worked in the family business, Arisaig Fisheries; after high school she pursued her education at St. Francis Xavier University, earning several degrees. Pam’s path was not defined by a single career but by a willingness to serve wherever she was needed—teaching in Antigonish and Calgary, and working throughout St. Martha’s Regional Hospital on many floors, including as ward clerk, where she was well known and respected.

She was a founding member of the Peggy Scot Foundation and lifelong member of St Margaret of Scotland parish. 

Pam was kind and generous and willing to help anyone in need. She found great joy in life’s simple moments and caring for those around her, including daughter Grace and son-in-law Luke’s beloved dogs, Scout and Bunker, whom she cherished deeply and spoiled with countless treats.

She is survived by her children, Andrew Bekkers, Clydesdale, and Grace (Luke) Rennie, Pomquet; siblings, Tom (Maria Chisholm), Arisaig, Reverend Alexander, Petawawa and Jay (Grant Prestedge), Vancouver; uncle Doug (Erica) Ross of Coldstream, BC, aunt Karen (Larry) Jackson of Calgary, aunt Mary (Colin) Smith of Knoydart, aunt Judy (Alex) Cameron of North Grant, uncle Allan MacDonald of Antigonish; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents and maternal uncle Kevin Chisholm.

The family extends sincere thanks to the paramedics and staff of the PCU, ICU and Palliative Care units at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital for their compassionate care.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, from 2–4 p.m. and 7–9 p.m in MacIsaacFuneral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will take place at 11 am on Friday, July 10th in St. Margaret of Scotland Parish Church, Arisaig, on Friday, with Reverend John Barry presiding. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

Donations in Pam’s memory may be made to the Progressive or Palliative Care units c/o St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation; or the Peggy Scot Foundation (www.peggyscot.com).