Sadie MacDonald

We are heartbroken to announce on March 3, 2021, our mother became our guardian angel. She left this life the same way she lived, peacefully with grace and dignity, surrounded by her family.

Born in Ottawa Brook, Nova Scotia, she was the youngest daughter of the late Kathleen (Bonaparte) and Leonard MacLean.

Mom’s lifetime displays of unconditional love, nurturing advice, endless hugs, steadfast support and guidance will be forever missed but so warmly remembered by her family, her husband of 40 years, Charles; twin daughters Alicia MacDonald (Joel) Ottawa Brook, and Julie MacDonald (Bernard) Big Beach; and her “favorite boy and girls”, her grandchildren Calder, Sadie and Charlie Louise. Mom was a remarkable mother, nanie and wife. She was deeply caring, beautiful, patient and kind.

Mom is survived by her siblings Leonard (Kathy) MacLean, Florida, Ann (Brian) Whittleton, Halifax, Mae (John Angus) Matheson, Little Narrows, Marguerite (Adrian) MacNeil, McKinnons Harbour.

Mom was also incredibly thankful for the lifetime of support from her brother-in-law and sister-in-law’s, Hugh MacDonald (Malagawatch) Arlene MacLellan (Grande Prairie) and Sally Ellis (Aberdeen). She was adored by her nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. She was admired by our friends for her commitment to her family.

Beyond distance and time Mom also enjoyed the privilege of close friendships with many including Judy Beaton, Betty MacKay, Mora Nicholson, Marlene MacDougall, Patty Gaudley, Helen MacDonald and Irena MacNeil.

In her youth Mom worked in Halifax at H. H. Marshall and later at Stora Enso in Port Hawkesbury. She talked about these times fondly and the care free fun that was had. Over the course of her life, with an incredible knack for change, she organized several different moves across Canada with her family. Mom made each stop a home and gained meaningful relationships along the way.

Mom had a vast set of skills and knowledge she applied throughout her life. She was intelligent, loyal, understanding, optimistic and calm. In 2001 she returned to Ottawa Brook where she and dad built their home and spent the last 20 years appreciating sunsets on the Bras d’Or Lake.

Mom was a devoted employee at the Highland Village Museum in Iona as the Coordinator of Visitor Services for 25 years before retiring in June, 2020. She always enjoyed working so close to home with colleagues who were friends. Mom lived the healthiest lifestyle, she enjoyed yoga daily, the outdoors, walks, puzzles, reading, yard work and cooking. She had regular sleepovers with her grandchildren, creating special moments and imaginary adventures, playing dress up and having dance parties.

Always willing to travel, Mom had a reserved adventurous spirit. She was filled with great memories of her most recent trips where she went zip lining in Florida with her siblings, vacationing in Mexico with her family, Las Vegas to see her niece get married, summer trips to PEI with her grandchildren; but mostly, Mom enjoyed simple every day treasures, evening boat rides with Dad, dinner with her family, card games with her sister, frog hunting with Calder, barbies with Sadie and making smoothies with Charlie Louise.

In late December 2020 Mom faced health adversity. She met this challenge head on with focus, strength and daily gratitude that afforded her family quality time together day and night. Mom always found the silver linings and was grateful for the life she lived and love we shared.

To our precious Mom, we will never be the same but will carry your love with us forever. We are so honored you were ours.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Forest Haven Memorial Garden. There will be no service at this time.

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