It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Donelda "Doll" Darlene Clements, 67, of Glace Bay on Friday, January 23rd, 2026.

Born in Glace Bay, Donelda "Doll" Clements, was the daughter of the late Ellsworth and Jeannette (Munroe) Clements from Bridgeport.

Starting her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse for the remote village of Middle Bay, Quebec, Donelda learned how to adapt lessons and connect with her students. She grew those skills and her talents while working for the Eskasoni School Board for over 35 years. She was a passionate, innovative, involved educator. She was still substituting when she passed. She would never call herself one, but many teachers and students considered her a mentor and role model, always available for guidance and support. She was the same way outside of school. She'll be remembered as someone who always had a warm, genuine, greeting with a smile, a broad vocabulary (including some impressive, inventive swears), keen intellect, a dislike of birds, and a fantastic sense of humor and wit, with a hilarious zinger just waiting for the right moment.

Over the years, she was a volunteer for many organizations, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved watching hockey, medical dramas, crime shows, and Coronation Street. Reading and spending time talking to, and connecting with her numerous friends and family were her absolute favourite things in the world.

Known by some very special family members as "Nanny Doll", and many other deeply loved and cherished extended family as "Aunt Doll", she left a larger impact than she could ever realize.

Donelda is survived by her daughter Kyla Clements, New Maryland, sister Wanda (Eugene) Snow, Chezzetcook, sister-in-law Doreen Clements, Dominion, four brothers, Reggie (Cavelle), Glace Bay, Kevin, Halifax, Randy (Sylvia), Dominion, and Darren “Dee” Clements, Dominion.

Besides her parents, Donelda was predeceased by her brothers, Gurney, Alexander in infancy, and her niece, Tara Morgan.

Memorial donations in memory of Donelda may be made towards Palliative Care or the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.

Cremation has taken place. The funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at 2 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. Rev. Tinashe Manatsire presiding. Burial will be held at a later date in Christ Anglican Cemetery, South Head.

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca

“All my life's a circle

Sunrise and sundown

The moon rolls through the night-time

'Til the daybreak comes around

All my life's a circle

But I can't tell you why

The seasons spinning round again

The years keep rolling by”