Margaret (Pecka) MacDonald, age 89, passed away peacefully in the QEII – Halifax Infirmary on Monday May 27, 2019 with her family by her side. She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her daughters, Pat (Leo) Campbell and Charlene (Brian) MacEachen. Nannie to Kim, Brad, Jennie and Ryan. Pecka was the last surviving member of the MacNeil family from River Street in Inverness. Predeceased by her parents, Alex Dan and Florence MacNeil; brothers, John, Archie, Michael, Dan C., Jamie and sisters, Kay, Sadie and Hughanna. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who she loved very much. Pecka was born in Inverness and as many had to do, she left Cape Breton at a young age and went to Toronto for work. It was in Toronto where Pecka met her husband, John R. MacDonald, and they settled there to raise their family. Pecka loved her Cape Breton home and the family would make the annual trip over the Causeway every summer. The car would be carefully loaded with a cooler stocked with lunch, snacks and beverages as well as a stack of her favourite 8-track tapes ranging from Harry Hibbs to John Allen Cameron. The cooler would make the return trip to Toronto however the cargo was altered to fresh fish, home-made cheese, chow and blue potatoes. Pecka loved to be surrounded by her many friends and relatives. She was always blessed with wonderful neighbours whether it was in Toronto or her more recent home in Lucasville, N.S. Company was always welcome in the MacDonald home. A game of ‘125’ was a common weekend event. A Cape Breton dance on a Saturday night followed by a house party was a regular occurrence. Pecka was always up for an adventure. If there was a car on the move and an invitation was extended to Pecka to jump in, she would always respond with a smile and say ‘why not’. Pecka cherished her grandchildren. She loved playing cards with them, attending their hockey and baseball games and dance recitals. She also found great pleasure in slipping them some money so that they could treat themselves. They will miss her dearly. Faith and Church were always present in her life. One of her last visitors was from a cherished friend, Father Joe MacKinnon. Pecka is now reunited with John R., her husband of 57 years as well as her parents, siblings and many friends and relatives. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff from 8.2 of the Infirmary for their support in her final days.
Visitation will be on Thursday, May 30th from 4-7 p.m. in Inverness Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 31, at 11 a.m. in the Stella Maris Church, Inverness. Father Dan MacDonald will be officiating. Burial to follow in the Judique parish cemetery. Family flowers only. If desired, donations to the Central Inverness Palliative Care Society, the SPCA or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be made at: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
