It is with broken hearts that we, the family of Lenora Jean MacIsaac, age 88 of New Waterford, announce her passing following a brief illness at the Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on May 12, 2026.

Born June 26, 1937, in New Waterford, Lenora was the daughter of the late Thomas and Dolena (Cormier) Brushett.

Lenora left New Waterford after marrying the love of her life, John Raymond MacIsaac. Throughout John’s military career, they lived in many different countries and communities, but no matter where life brought her, Lenora was always happiest when she returned home to New Waterford.

During her school years, Lenora was known as an excellent basketball player. She later worked in retail at the New Waterford Quality Store, where she formed many lifelong friendships.

Lenora had a love for sewing in her younger years and was well known for enjoying a good game of bingo. She took great pride in her flowers and garden, and loved feeding her family. She was especially known for her homemade cinnamon rolls, which became a favourite tradition for those she loved. Above all else, her greatest joy in life was her family — especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless happiness.

She was also very proud of her volunteer work with the Canadian Cancer Society and the Ladies Alter Guild at All Saints Anglican Church in New Waterford.

Lenora was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Dolena (Cormier) Brushett; her infant son, Raymond Andrew MacIsaac; brothers Reggie Cormier and Ernest Brushett; sisters Doreen MacDonald and Winnifred MacPherson; her “adopted” brother, William McLellan; son-in-law, Dan Zora; brothers-in-law Gordon MacIsaac and Alex J. MacIsaac; and sisters-in-law Agnes MacIsaac and Margaret Forbes.

She is survived by her loving husband, John Raymond MacIsaac; daughters Dolena Chopeck (George) and Valerie Zora; grandchildren Raymond Chopeck, Amy Campbell (Kris), Haley Zora Boersch (Fabian), and Brittany Zora Cook (Wyatt); and great-grandchildren Elliott and Sullivan Chopeck, Mason and Amelia Campbell, Rosalina Boersch, and Weston Cook.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 19th at 11 a.m. followed by a reception, all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Interment in Union Grove Cemetery. Anglican Minister Rev. Tinashe Manatsire presiding.

Online condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit or the Canadian Cancer Society.