Obituary of Marlene Ann MacDonald, New Waterford

Marlene Ann MacDonald passed away peacefully at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre on December 11, 2021. Mom was born in New Waterford on September 23, 1943 where she lived until the summer of 2017 when she and her husband, Albert MacDonald, moved to Amherst, Nova Scotia to be closer to her son, Jason (June Burke-MacDonald) of Amherst and her daughter, Juanita MacDonald (Mike Hill) of Halifax. Marlene spent her working life at the New Waterford Credit Union where she knew everyone’s name, with her special ‘customers’ waiting in line to see her specifically. Marlene also was a dedicated partner, and book keeper at the Heather Beverage Room which she owned with Albert and his brother, Charlie (Patricia) MacDonald. Marlene also used her special personality and positions at the Credit Union and The Heather to become the unofficial best fundraising ticket seller in New Waterford. In her earlier years Marlene loved to play darts, bowl, roller skate and shop. Did she ever love to shop! Mom also loved to play cards and may actually be undefeated at both Monopoly and Rummoli. Mom loved Elvis Presley, Rita MacNeil and never missed a Burke Family concert. Mom famously could not go anywhere without running into someone she knew and talking at length while her family waited (somewhat impatiently) to continue on their way. When her mobility issues kept her from doing some of her favorite activities, she loved to see pictures and get updates on the activities of her three greatly beloved grandsons, Spencer, Julian and Reece. Not a day passed when she didn’t ask about their hockey, baseball, track and field, soccer, school or military activities. If her grandsons were happy, she was happy. Marlene and Albert were married for 56 wonderful years. They had a special relationship that is an inspiration to us all. When Mom moved to Gables Nursing Home, Dad would spend every afternoon visiting with her. We are so proud of the love and dedication he showed to her over the last four years. While COVID did keep them apart, we are so fortunate that they were able to spend a lot of time together over the last couple of weeks. Mom’s house was always open to Juanita’s and Jason’s friends. It was a safe and inviting place with lots of food, laughter and a few shenanigans, some of which mom participated in and some of which she still doesn’t know about! Mom is now with her parents, Hugh and Agnes McDonald; her brothers, Sherwood, Kenny and Joseph. She has likely already shared a laugh with her great friends, Donna Burke and Kaye Casey. Mom leaves behind her brothers, Vincent (Ronelda) and Aubrey (Frankie) and her sisters, Joan, Glenda (Gerald MacCormack), Adeline, Annie Mae (Paul Burrows) and so many friends and relatives. Cremation has taken place.Visitation will be held at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford on Thursday, December 16 from 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 17 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Peter McLeod officiating. Masks and proof of double vaccination are required at both the visitation and mass. A special heartfelt thank you goes out to the staff of Gables Nursing Home so many of which went above and beyond to make mom feel special. Mom truly thought of you as friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gables Lodge Residents Council which provides additional activities and entertainment for the residents of the facility. 902 667-3501 ex 114. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.