Obituary of Flora Catherine Dillon, Donkin

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Flora Catherine (MacDougall) Dillon, who departed this life peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by her beloved family.

Born and raised in Donkin, Cape Breton, Flora was a gentle, gracious, and compassionate soul who touched the hearts of all who knew her. She devoted her life to her family, her faith, and her community, and will be remembered for her kindness, her wisdom, and her warm heart.

Flora was a loving mother to her daughters Doreen, Faith, and Paula Dillon, a proud grandmother to Daniel (Libby) Dillon, and a cherished great-grandmother to Sophie Dillon. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law Laura MacDougall and many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Flora was predeceased by her husband, Charles Dillon, and infant daughters, Ruth Marie and Ronni Charlene. She was the daughter of the late Rannie and Elsie (MacAskill) MacDougall, and was also predeceased by her brothers Rannie Jr., Garfield, Roddie, and Angie MacDougall, and sisters-in-law Joan, Thurza, Betty, and Isabel (Sis). She also mourned the loss of brothers- and sisters-in-law Johnny and Evelyn Dillon, Coleen and Lorne Patterson, and Margaret and Herbert Payne.

A faithful member of St. Gregory’s Church in Donkin, Flora’s life was grounded in her faith. She found great joy in giving to her community, welcoming family and friends into her home, and keeping traditions alive — especially the cherished Christmas MacDougall gatherings.

Flora was an accomplished homemaker and creative spirit. She was an avid seamstress, knitter, and crocheter, lovingly making clothes for her children and creating a warm and nurturing home. She read widely, with a particular interest in WWII history.  At age 40 she discovered yoga which she faithfully practiced for 42 years. An adventurous and active woman, Flora loved outdoor winter sports, from skating and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling — she especially delighted in skating by moonlight on frozen ponds. In the summer, she enjoyed swimming and spending time outside.

Later in life, Flora was especially proud of obtaining her driver's license in her 50s and continued to play cribbage well into her 90s. She loved to travel, making cherished memories visiting England, Ireland, Wales, and fulfilling a lifelong dream of tracing her roots to her ancestral MacDougall home in Scotland.

In her later years, Flora faced the challenges of dementia with remarkable grace, retaining her bright spirit, witty sense of humour and welcoming nature. Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. David Ley, the VON, and the Homecare staff for their kind and compassionate care.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay.  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 12, at 1 pm in St. Gregory’s Church in Donkin with Fr. Norman MacPhee officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Gregory’s cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Gregory’s Cemetery Fund (902-322-2834).

Forever loved, forever remembered.