It is with profound sorrow that we
announce the departure of our family’s precious matriarch,
Donna Irene McFadden, 81, of Springhill,
Nova Scotia. Mumma passed peacefully at home, from the arms
of her doting children and grandchildren into the gentle embrace of
Jesus, on December 25th, 2019.
Born June 17, 1938, in Springhill, Donna
was the youngest daughter of the late George Wesley and Annie
Elizabeth (McNeil) Brown. She was predeceased by her loving
husband and our devoted father, Edward Pearle McFadden and by her
siblings Ada (Smith), Georgie (Corkum), Jeannie (Cameron), Mary
(Rector), John (Brown) and Duncan (Brown).
She is survived by her children Nancy
(Raymond) Perry, Edward (Janet) McFadden Jr., Jo-Ann (John) Calder and
Valerie (Glenn) Brown; grandchildren Annette, Amanda, Arlene, Raymond
Jr., Christopher, Jessica, Summer, Robert, Neil, Mitchell and Keith;
great-grandchildren Devin, Dylan, Kyle, Cameron, Colby, Ashley,
Gregory, Mason, Riley, Lucas, Hunter, Abigail, Quinten, Brooke-Lynn,
Kruz, Bridget, Trenten, Tori and little Benjamin;
great-great-grandchildren; Aaliyah, Everett and Shea.
Words will never be able to fully
express how much she meant to us.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother,
she « kissed better » all of our childhood bumps and bruises,
wiped away our tears over the years and loved us unconditionally
through our very worst and also our very best moments.
For us, she was a beautiful example of
what it means to be a loving, modest and kind person, always putting
the needs of others ahead of her own. She hurt when we were
hurting, she laughed when we were happy, cherishing each of us and
every single one of our own little babies. Her compassionate
nature taught us the importance of safeguarding the dignity of the
vulnerable and the utmost importance of fulfilling the solemn promise
of an oath.
She loved listening to our father play
guitar as he sang old love songs and hymns to her and we most enjoyed
it when she would join in, her harmonizing voice to us, sounding
« angelic ».
Mum enjoyed long drives down old country
roads, knitting and crocheting, gospel music, yard sales, Yahtzee and
her daily conversations with her sister-in-law and best friend,
Sarah. Her favourite treat was a York Peppermint Pattie and
a hot cup of tea. Every spring she’d eagerly await
a glimpse of Spring’s first returning robin, as it reminded
her of Dad. Her favourite hymn was « Consider the
Lilies » and she was a faithful follower of Christ, placing her
complete trust in Him with her whole heart.
All of these things will now and for the
remaining days of our lives, remind us of her; our beautiful Mother;
our beautiful Lady; our « Bella Donna » … and we
will honour her and cleave to these precious memories in our hearts,
forever.
We would like to extend our heartfelt
gratitude and thanks to all of those who enveloped our family with
overwhelming love and kindness during this past year, including Roy
and Roberta McMasters, Dr. Joshy A. Karivelil and his staff,
(Springhill), Palliative Care Nurse Beth Scammell and (Sackville, NB)
Palliative Care Nurse Carole Fawcett and her team of caregivers
including Natasha, Rebecca, McKenzie and Lindsay. Your
ongoing endeavours to help Mum in any way you could have deeply
touched our hearts and for the immense level of humanity you showed
her and us, we will remain eternally grateful.
She never once complained about her
plight. Her only wish was to have just one more Christmas
with her family… and by God’s loving mercy, her
prayer was answered.
Arrangements are under the care and
guidance of A.H. Brown Funeral Home, 5
McFarlane Street, Springhill (902 597 2361). A Graveside
Committal Service for Donna and Edward Sr. will be held on Saturday,
September 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm in Hillside Cemetery, Springhill, with
Pastor Jonathon Cole officiating. All are welcome to
attend. Please bring your masks and respect social
distancing guidelines.
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to the family by visiting Donna’s online memorial at
www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A.H. Brown Funeral Service Facebook
page.
The family has requested those who wish
to make a donation in Donna’s memory, to please do so with
your local animal shelter or children’s charity or through
performing an act of kindness toward someone in need of the healing
power of human compassion.
1938 2019
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Donna Irene McFadden 1938 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Springhill, Province: Nova Scotia