Obituary of Douglas Gerard 'Jerry' MacDonald, New Waterford

Jerry MacDonald, formerly of New Waterford, and recently of Williston House, Sydney, passed away peacefully on Dec. 23rd, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with his loving wife, Joanne, by his side.  He was 74. 

Born in New Waterford on April 30, 1949, he was the son of the late Edison A. and Mae (MacSween) MacDonald. Jerry grew up on Warren Avenue, and until recently, never lived more than a block from his family home. 

Jerry was married for over 50 years to the love of his life, Joanne (Connors) MacDonald. He is survived by her and their two children, Laurie (Joe) MacCormick, of New Waterford and son, Mark Edison MacDonald of Chatham, ON. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Lars MacDonald of Montreal, QC, Celia MacDonald of London, ON, and Sean MacCormick of New Waterford.  

Jerry began his work career at V.J.McGillivray Funeral Home in New Waterford as a licensed mortician. He then worked for Devco as an Emergency Medical Technician. He was next employed as a payroll clerk for Devco at the Lingan and Phalen Collieries. Jerry finished his work career where he started; as a Wake Attendant at V.J. McGillivray's in New Waterford.

Jerry was predeceased by his sisters, Marilyn (Marsh) MacDonald, and Jackie (Ross) MacDonald, as well as their husbands, Karl Marsh and Harvey Ross. He was also predeceased by a brother-in-law, Leroy McKinnon of Glace Bay. Jerry, Harvey, and Leroy spent many happy  days fishing around Cape Breton. 

Jerry is also survived by his only brother, Lorne (Willena) MacDonald. He was always grateful for Lorne’s assistance with everything throughout his life.  He is also survived by Joanne’s family; Patsy (John) Bates, Marueen (late Leroy) McKinnon, Deborah (Jerry McCrank) Connors, Russ (Nancy) Connors, Rick (Jo Anne) Connors, and Lisa (Kenny) Hanson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, scattered throughout Canada and abroad. 

If Jerry is remembered for nothing else, he was a lifelong New York Yankees fan and worshipped the memory of #7, Mickey Mantle since he was a boy. On his 60th birthday, he and Joanne traveled to New York for a tour and two games at the original Yankee Stadium, or as he referred to it, “The Holy Grail”. 

New Waterford residents will also remember Jerry and Joanne’s family home of 40 years on King Street and the enjoyment he got from “holding court” in his garage everyday.  A constant stream of people came there to sit down and chat with Jerry daily.  Even countless dogs would pull their owners to the door knowing they could count on a doggie treat on their arrival. Jerry was also known for his meticulous lawn care; he was never happier than when making the rounds on his lawn tractor. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to his friends and employer, V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. Cremation has taken place.There will be no visitation, as per request; a Funeral Mass will be held at The Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, on Thursday, Dec. 28th at 10 a.m. followed by a reception at the K.O.C. Father Jim Oliver officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nora’s Home at  St. Leonard’s Parish Centre in the former St. Michael’s Church on Union Highway. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.