It is with sadness that we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of Mary “Donalda” (Gillis) Ratchford, age 92, on March 12, 2026 at the Cove Guest Home, Sydney.

Born in New Waterford, Cape Breton on April 6, 1934, she was the second of thirteen children and the eldest daughter of the late James A. "Jimmy" and Ellen Jane "Nellie" (LeBlanc) Gillis. Though she left home at a young age when she married and began life as a military wife, her love for Cape Breton and her family there remained strong throughout her life.

A devoted mother to four children, three sons and a daughter, Donalda built a warm and welcoming home wherever life took her. Her deep Catholic faith guided everything she did. She lived with kindness, humility, and compassion, always choosing prayer over conflict and showing a special concern for those in need.

Donalda was known for her energy, independence, and many talents. A perfectionist by nature, she kept a beautiful home, loved gardening and decorating, and took great pride in caring for her family. At age 40 she returned to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for many years at a nursing home in Trenton, Ontario, where she was deeply appreciated by residents and colleagues alike.

In her later years, she discovered a love of music, teaching herself guitar at 64 and becoming the lead singer of a group called “The Stringalongs,” who performed for nursing homes, hospitals, and community events. She also enjoyed bowling, curling, darts, and line dancing, and was crowned “Winter Queen” at the Trenton Carnival in the late 1970s.

Donalda will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her strong spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, family, and the many friends whose lives she touched.

Donalda is survived by her daughter, Boots (Gary); sons, Daniel (Rosemarie) and Patrick; grandchildren, Cassandra (Brad), Gillian (Drew), Kyle, Alexandra (Jordan), Nicholas (Jodie), Valerie; great-grandchildren, Xander, Logan, Ginelle, Jaxson, Ellis, Danica; sisters, Bridget, Anne (Ian); brothers, Raymond (Linda), John (Allana), Jerry (Pat), Joe (Jacquie), Onafray, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Donalda was predeceased by her husband, Murray; brother, Fidel; sisters, Dolores, Sandra, Carmel, and her oldest son, Jimmy.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17 from noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m. all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Father Jim Oliver officiating. A reception will be held in the funeral home with burial to follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, New Waterford. Donations in her memory may be made to Parkinson Society Nova Scotia, Canadian Cancer Society or the Cove Guest Home. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.

The funeral service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/vjmcgillivray?