Jean ‘Duff’ MacDonald
1922-2017
Norma Jean “Duff” (Macdonald) MacDonald,
formerly of New Glasgow, NS, passed away on November 8th, 2017 at Dr.
Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton.
Jean
was born in New Annan, Nova Scotia on December 12, 1922 to the late
Reverend A.T. and Mary (MacKay) Macdonald.
Following
graduation from Stellarton High School, Jean attended Mount Alison
University where in 1944 she was awarded a B.Sc. in Home Economics.
While at Mt A, Jean met the love of her life and best friend Henry
Edgar (Duff) MacDonald. They were married following the war in
1946.
Settling
in New Glasgow, Jean worked as a dietitian at the Aberdeen Hospital.
After several years as a stay-at-home mom, Jean resumed her career as
a Home Economics teacher at New Glasgow Junior High
School.
Jean
was a member of Trinity United Church where she was active in U.C.W,
Sunday school and Boy Scouts. Jean was also involved in I.O.D.E.,
University Women’s Club, Gyrette Club, Aberdeen Hospital
Auxiliary and Home and School Association.
Always
busy with her hands, Jean enjoyed many crafts, including knitting,
quilting and sewing. All of her family and friends benefited as there
were always socks, mitts, afghans, quilts among many other
“Made by Jean” items to keep us warm and
comfortable. Mom was also a phenomenal cook….great meals
and always dessert….all done with ease in what seemed to us
to be a tiny kitchen.
During
her younger years, Jean was an ardent bowler, card player and skater.
To watch Jean and Duff at Gyro skates glide the rink arm in arm was a
special sight and they could also cut up a dance floor in style. They
enjoyed travel and spent many winters in Florida with friends and
family.
Mom
was a very caring lady who loved good conversation and a good laugh.
She was a straight shooter who enjoyed people who were “more
cake than icing”
Jean’s
greatest joy were her children: Ellen (Eric) Gozna, St. Andrews, NB;
Bruce, Kentville, NS; and Ross (Shelly White), Port Elgin, Ontario.
Her seven grandchildren were an enormous source of pride for Jean:
Alison (Gozna) Brazeau (Dan), Cate (Gozna) Willett (Jordan), Ethan,
Alana, Blake MacDonald and Jessica (MacDonald) Ardiel (Liam) and
Rachel MacDonald. Jean also had three great-grandsons who were the
apples of her eye: Joe and William Brazeau and Elias
Willett.
Jean
is also survived by sister-in-law Beth Macdonald, Toronto and
brother-in-law Keith (Pat) MacDonald, Wolfville.
She
was predeceased by Duff her husband of 63 years; brothers: Ian and
Allister Macdonald; brothers and sisters-in-law: Horace (Chris)
MacDonald, Douglas (Connie) MacDonald, Shirley and (Todd)
Hickey.
Following
her wishes Jean has been cremated. A gathering for family and friends
will be held from 1:30-3 pm, Saturday, July 7, at Summer Street
Industries.Donations may be made to a charity of
choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the R.H. Porter
Funeral Home, New Glasgow.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jean ‘Duff’ MacDonald 19222017.source
Death notice for the town of: New-Glasgow, Province: Nova Scotia