Obituary of Margaret Patricia McDonald, New Waterford

Heaven gained another angel and the “Leudy choir” is once again complete with the peaceful passing of Margaret Patricia McDonald, age 69, on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 in her home, surrounded by family.

Born in New Waterford, N.S. she was the daughter of the late John and Marie (Coakley) Leudy.

Tricia is survived by her husband and “best buddy” of 45 years, Charles McDonald, who she affectionately called “Red”; her two daughters, Charlene McDonald, and Patti McDonald (Chris); her beloved granddaughter, Rebecca McDonald (Jerry) who was like a third daughter and their children, Eli, Jason, and Jr., and her cherished grandsons, Brady Steiger, and Colby Steiger.

She is also survived by relatives and her life-long group of friends, who were more like sisters, the ya-ya’s.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Marie; siblings, Jean, Laurie, Shirley, Bobbie, Carol, Tony, Nita, Johnny, and Bobby.

Even at 4’11 (although she claimed to be 5ft in later years), Trisha had a larger than life personality, and often commented that people sometimes mistakenly thought she was a “goodie two shoes” due to her years as Mount Carmel Church secretary to the priests, choir member, lector, and parish council member. But she loved to surprise people with a bad joke, and took great joy out of encircling her fingers around her nose when asked a question and saying, “know what that means?”

A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she never missed a recital, race, game, concert, or ceremony of her little ones, and her love of youth extended beyond her family. She worked as a preschool teacher in her younger years, and created a youth group for Mount Carmel Parish, as well as served as a first communion and confirmation teacher. She genuinely loved all the friends her kids brought home and looked forward to having more mouths to feed.

Music played a huge role in her life; from singing with her family as a young person, to singing in the church choir, as well as singing every time she got in the car and all around the house. She spread joy with her beautiful voice and sometimes silly songs. She also found so much joy in dancing in the kitchen and on every dance floor with the love of her life and favourite dance partner, Charlie.

She touched the lives of many, during her years taking business courses, a hairdressing course, as a secretary at Mount Carmel Parish then Transit Cape Breton, a volunteer with the Christopher Course and other community events and organizations. Tricia was a gifted story teller who could captivate a room with a funny tale, or Rita MacNeil impression, and she could even convey a message with one look.

Tricia had a zest for life, a deep faith, a contagious laugh, a skill for wielding a pen like a sword, a sense of humour matched only by her late siblings, a generous and forgiving heart, a love of cooking and feeding everyone who came through her door, and a deep love for her family and friends.

The family would like to acknowledge the extraordinary care provided to Tricia by the many Homecare staff, VON nurses, and Palliative Care team, especially Shannon MacKinnon and Florence McLeod O’Donnell who provided such kindness and skill, we are deeply appreciative.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 21 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place Saturday, October 22 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Godwin Obike officiating. Cremation will follow with burial in Mount Carmel Cemetery at a later date. A reception will be held at the Army, Navy, Airforce(upstairs), Unit 217,  immediately after the mass. All are welcome to attend. 
 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to the Hospice/Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County or Cape Breton VON. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.