Mildred’s Obituary
MERIGOMISH – Mildred Irene MacDonald, 92, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 12, 2019, surrounded by the love of family.
Born in Merigomish, she was a daughter of the late Frank Herbert and Hazel Vern (Blair) MacDonald. Mildred began her education in the Merigomish one-room school house and at the age of 13 enrolled in Horton Academy, Wolfville, where she completed her secondary education. She then completed her undergraduate degree at Acadia University. Mildred began her working career at the former Trenton Steel Works, before moving to Toronto, where she was employed with a corporate law firm for two years. Upon her return to Halifax, she accepted a position as Secretary to the Dean of Dalhousie Law School, from where she retired as Administrator after 30 years of service in June 1992. Throughout her career, Mildred was appreciated for her dedication, knowledge and friendship. She enjoyed living in Halifax and the camaraderie of her wonderful circle of close friends. Mildred was a devoted patron of the Arts, canoeing enthusiast, avid skier, swimmer and walker. Upon retirement, she returned to her beloved family home in Merigomish. Her family and friends have fond memories of seeing Mildred out every day walking her dog, Jack, working in her garden or mowing her lawn until the age of 91 and of her countless walks and swims at Big Island Beach. Mildred was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Merigomish, where she had served in various capacities over the years. She was a lady, who possessed genuine kindness and compassion for others, always there for those in need, often arriving at a door with a tin of cookies in hand. Mildred was a true friend, who never spoke ill of anyone. To her nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own, she leaves a wonderful example of unparalleled dignity, trustworthiness, humility and compassion.
Surviving are nieces and nephews, Stephanie (Mike), Julie (Gerald), Karen, Rob (Nancy), Linda, Norval (Linda), Jane (Don) and Steven; grand nieces and grand nephews, Nathan, Cameron, Mike, Gregory (Krista), Natalie (Jessie), Lawson, Derek (Alison), Alyson, Jason (Alicia), Dale (Ellen), Blair (Sarah), Nicholas (Lori), Lauren (Graham), Sheri (Geoff) and Matthew (Christy); many great-nieces and great-nephews; sisters-in-law, Joyce MacDonald, Riverton; Adelaide MacDonald, Merigomish; cousin, Irene Murray, New Glasgow; friends, Nita MacDonald, St. John’s, Nfld.; Marion Porter, Halifax; many cousins.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by sister, Marion Fulton; brothers, Norval and Harry MacDonald; a niece in infancy; sister-in-law, Agnes MacDonald; and brother-in-law, Lawson Fulton.
In honour of Mildred’s wishes, her life will be celebrated privately.
Mildred’s family greatly appreciate the love and kindness of Mildred’s friends, Hilda, Noreen, Jackie and Debbie.
If desired, donations may be made in Mildred’s memory to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church or Riverview Cemetery , Merigomish. (To donate online, please click on one of the underlined charities.)
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mildred Irene MacDonald June 10 1927 December 12 2019..
p and k macdonald funeral home
Death notice for the town of: New-Glasgow, Province: Nova Scotia
I have fond memories of the many delightful, though usually fleeting, times spent with Mildred during her years as Secretary to the Dean at Dalhousie Law School. (Secretary to the Dean was an exalted title in those days – it meant she ran the place…and with aplomb in her case). I started teaching there in 1976 and met her occasionally in Halifax restaurants after her retirement in 1992, before she returned to Merigomish. She was always dining with a gracious and vivacious friend or two, and inevitably greeted me with great warmth. I can still hear her infectious giggle, with which she would often punctuate discussions on important and serious matters (or sometimes just silly ones). I was thinking about Mildred last week – perhaps she was doing the rounds before her final departure to the Spiritual Realms, where I am sure she will be received with joy and respect. Pax vobiscum, Mildred. Thank you to those who wrote the lovely obituary. Sincerely, Bruce Archibald
I was a young female faculty member when I first met Mildred in 1978. She was the epitome of kindness and consideration while running the faculty with awesome efficiency. When she left she was replaced with a whole office!
She seemed to have a soft spot for young faculty and she went out of her way to do little things to make my sometimes lonely life on the faculty more comfortable.
Rest in peace Mildred. WeI won’t forget you.