Margaret Theresa’s Obituary
FRASER’S MOUNTAIN – Major Margaret Theresa MacDonnell (Ret’d), 93, Ivey’s Terrace Nursing Home, Trenton, formerly of Fraser’s Mountain, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, August 25, 2020 in the home.
Born on November 27, 1926 on Fraser’s Mountain, she was a daughter of the late James and Margaret (MacDonald) MacDonnell. Theresa was a strong, independent woman who was loved and respected by those who knew her. She was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church and Catholic Women’s League, New Glasgow. She loved her family and was always interested in and up to date on whatever anyone was doing. Theresa enjoyed gardening, sports and politics. An amazing cook, her seafood chowder and biscuits were beyond compare. She was raised on the MacDonnell family farm on Fraser’s Mountain. Theresa was a proud graduate of Saint Martha’s Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1948. She worked as a nurse at Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax; Welland General Hospital, Ontario; Western Division Montreal General Hospital, Quebec and Port Arthur General Hospital, Ontario before enrolling in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a medical nurse in 1952. Her first posting was at Port Arthur, Ont. (’52-’53), followed by RCAF Stn. St. Jean, Que. where she was in the Coronation Parade for Queen Elizabeth II in Montreal. Theresa sailed on the Empress of Briton to Liverpool, England in 1954 where she began a post at RCAF Stn. Langar, England. She traveled around England, Scotland, Ireland and other parts of Europe at this time. From 1955-1957, Theresa was stationed at No. 4 F. Wing RCAF Stn. Baden-Baden, Germany. She travelled extensively in Europe and finally sailed from LaHave, France on the Arosia Sun to Quebec City in April of 1957. Theresa was the senior nurse at RCAF Stn. Chatham, N.B. (’57-’59) where she was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. She moved to RCAF Stn. Goose Bay and Labrador (’59-’60), followed by RCAF Stn. Rockcliffe, Ottawa, Ont. and the National Defense Medical Centre where she was head nurse and first evening supervisor. An avid learner, Theresa returned to school and completed her Diploma of Nursing Service Administration. She worked at the Canadian Forces Hospital in Cold Lake, Alta. as Matron (’64-’67) and the Canadian Forces Hospital in Halifax as Assistant Director of Nursing (’67-’70). Theresa was the Assistant Director of Nursing at the National Defense Medical Centre in Ottawa (’70-’72) where she was promoted to Major. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Mount Saint Vincent University in 1974. Theresa worked at the Canadian Forces Hospital in Kingston, Ont. as Director of Nursing (’74-’76). She moved to the Canadian Forces Hospital in Halifax where she was the Director of Nursing (’76-’80). She retired from the Canadian Armed forces after 28 years of service in 1980. During her career, Theresa received the Canadian Defense Long Service Medal, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Peace Keeping Service Medal.
In retirement, Theresa volunteered with the Pictou East Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society, the Kidney Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Shepherd’s Lunch Room and the Aberdeen Hospital Auxiliary giftshop, gift cart and book cart. She had a hugely positive impact on many lives.
Theresa will be greatly missed by her nieces, Judy Anderson, Fraser’s Mountain; Kathy (Myron) Marshall, Fraser’s Mountain; Margie MacDonnell-Purdy (Harold Purdy), New Glasgow; nephew, David (Diane) MacDonnell, Grande Prairie, Alta.; great-nieces, Susanne Aucoin, Lower Sackville; Morgan Purdy (Andy LeBlanc), Amman, Jordan; Kristi Anderson (Justin Levangie), Lower Sackville; Lauren Purdy (Jeff Wilusz), Amman, Jordan; great-nephew, Craig Anderson (Kim Gosse), Halifax; foster brother, Joe (Agnes) Proctor, Sydney; sister-in-law, Claire MacDonnell, Halifax; niece-in-law, Barbara MacDonnell, Fraser’s Mountain; special great-great niece and nephews, Emmy, Owen and Dallas “the little red-head” and many more nieces, nephews and their families.
She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret (MacDonald) and James MacDonnell; siblings, Honourable Hugh J. MacDonnell, Francis X. MacDonnell, Sister Catherine M. MacDonnell, Mary R. MacGillivary and Father Duncan J. MacDonnell; nephews, Jim MacDonnell, Duncan MacDonnell and Paul MacGillivary; sister-in-law, Kay MacDonnell; brother-in-law, Frank MacGillivary; nephew-in-law, Clarence Anderson.
Her family would like to thank the staff of Ivey’s Terrace Nursing Home, Trenton and Dr. Tom Park for the wonderful care Theresa received.Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
To celebrate Theresa’s life, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be held with interment to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Margaret Theresa MacDonnell November 27 1926 August 25 2020..
p and k macdonald funeral home
Death notice for the town of: New-Glasgow, Province: Nova Scotia