Alice Christine MacLellan

On a beautiful sunny morning in the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, May 14, 2024, surrounded by family, Alice Christine MacLellan (Auntie) passed away peacefully.  

Born in Estmere, Victoria County, February 18, 1934, she was the daughter of the late George & Vera (Oakley) Fisher of Estmere.  

She is survived by her husband Ronald MacLellan; daughter Melanie Garland (Todd); and sister Georgina MacLeod.  Besides her parents, Alice was predeceased by her first husband Donald J. MacRae, and their son Donald William MacRae; daughter Ronda MacLellan-Hudson; sisters Verna MacRae, Judy MacKinnon, Nellie MacKinnon, and Catherine Beason.  She was also predeceased by special friend Mary Harper.  

The third of six sisters, she grew up in a six-bedroom homestead in Estmere.  At an early age, she learned to snare rabbits, trap muskrats, fish, garden, and bake.   She enjoyed working around the homestead and was responsible for many chores tending to the barn animals, and taking in wood and water.  She enjoyed playing the old record player and skating with her sisters to music on their little pond on the family property.  

At the age of 14, she began working and over the years performed housework for families in Alba, Middle River and Baddeck Bay. During the early years she also transported the “scholars” to Bucklaw School and the Buckwheat to be transported to Baddeck.    

Alice moved to St. Patrick’s Channel in the early 50s and on June 25, 1953 she married her first husband Donald J. MacRae (Hook).   She, Donald and their son Donald William lived in their first homestead until it burned in 1967.  They rebuilt on the same property and she resided with them until the untimely passing of her son, February 26, 1973 followed by her husband, May 19, 1973.  

Alice remained in her home in St. Patrick’s Channel and on June 11, 1977, she married Ronald MacLellan, son of long-time friend Thelma MacLellan.  The ceremony took place in their small apple orchard, a special place where she also had daughters, Ronda and Melanie, christened.  Melanie would later get married in the same apple orchard.  Alice resided with her husband for the next 47 years in St. Patrick’s Channel.

Alice’s door like her heart was always open.  The smell of homemade meals, fresh baked goods and pickles greeted company at the door.  She was fondly known as Auntie by special nieces and nephews and dearly loved and cared for her crew in the Channel.  The pets in her life, Nicky, Dude & Pepper were also spoiled by her kindness.   Dude (Grandma’s big boy) would often accompany her on errands and regularly shared steak dinners with her.  Always making the most of her days she would spend her time knitting, gardening, baking, cooking, pickling, hunting, and fishing.   Many a competition was had between she and Ronnie about who had a better shot, caught the most and biggest fish.   

Alice was a member of the Liberal Party, the Greenwood United Church and the Baddeck and Area Community Market. She volunteered with a number of community groups: Brownies, Guides and the Church giving her more time to spend time with her daughters.  Baking was her passion and she attended many community sales and was an anchor vendor during the Baddeck and Area Community Market’s early years.    She and her dedicated helpers, sisters Georgina and Verna, were considered highlights of the market. 

Alice was appreciated and well known for her generosity, community support, and sharing her cooked, baked and pickled treats.  She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her beautiful smile, big heart and down to earth honesty.  

Cremation has taken place under the guidance of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.  A celebration of life will be held May 24^th, 2024 at the Middle River Hall from 6-9 pm.   A graveside service, for family, will be held in St. Patrick’s Channel May 25^th, 2024 at 2 pm with Reverand Brian MacLeod presiding.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Continuing Care, Victoria County Home Support, Victoria County Hospital, and Dr. Ritter and his amazing team, Paulette & Kelly.  They further extend a special thank you to the Channel community, Aunt Georgina, and Auntie’s favorites for making her comfortable at home.   

As an expression of sympathy for Alice, donations in her memory can be made to the Hospice Society of Victoria County or the Greenwood United Church.  To share memories or condolences please visit www.foresthaven.ca. 

How blessed were we to have you, Mom!  You will forever be in our hearts and we take comfort knowing you left with a gentle companion by your side, Mr. Dude Dog.