Obituary for
Paula Therese MacDonald
MacDonald, Paula Therese – Age 58, Bible Hill. With broken hearts we announce that on May 7, 2021, Paula Therese (MacKenzie) MacDonald of Bible Hill peacefully gained her angel wings in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro from a courageous battle with cancer at the young age of 58.
Paula was born in Truro, NS. Survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Michael MacDonald; best friend and daughter, Danielle (Chris Armsworthy), Bible Hill; loving son, Joey (Jenn Roode), East Mountain; her pride and joy grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, Hudson Dill, Bennett and Sam Armsworthy, Rylan Roode and Easton MacDonald. Also survived by her parents, Ronald and Louella MacKenzie, Truro; sisters, Janice (John Terry), Rhonda (Brent MacGrath), Marilyn (Rodney Roode), Judy (Greg Marquis), all of Truro; brothers, Joey (Pugwash) Richard Mackenzie, Sandy (Denise), of Truro and honorary brother, Chris Crowell (Megan), Airdrie, AB; father and mother-in-law, Sonny and Carole MacDonald, Bible Hill; special in-laws and good friends, Donna and Fred Blackie; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by oldest sister, Lori-Ann Mackenzie.
Paula was a strong woman with many talents and athletic abilities although came across as shy, at first. Paula graduated from Lucien’s Beauty school where she learned to cut hair and worked for them until taking on her most important role, being a mother. She spent many years teaching her children her ways to be patient, enjoy life as it comes, laugh at yourself if nothing else and to spread kindness no matter what. Paula was an incredible ball player and star center fielder. She started with the Main Brace team, played for Matheson Honda then spent many years with MacDonald Insurance in the business ladies softball league playing with her sisters and making many lifelong friends. Paula also studied Uechi Ryū karate with sensei, Duncan McLeod and achieved her brown belt. She was not to be messed with. Paula went back to work at Jean’s Flowers in Truro when her kids were in their later school years. She always had a creative talent in craft making, decorating and design. She was also involved in many craft fairs throughout her years. Her home was always admired by anyone who came to visit. In the most recent years, Paula had the pleasure of decorating and working alongside of soul sister, Karen at Masstown Market in the Christmas room. Paula could quickly pick up anything artistic which brought her into painting many beautiful pictures and cards which were quite amazing and will still be enjoyed for years to come by the people she loved. She was also an avid Louie’s shopper.
Paula was an active member of Celeste’s yoga and Zumba classes in Bible Hill, which she attended with her long time best friends from Scenic Drive, Claudette and Janice, and made many more great friends there. Her other love for many years was power walking and running. Paula was an outdoor soul and truly felt a connection with nature and its animals. She was in touch with all the earth’s elements which helped her fight her cancer and stay strong these last two years. The birds spoke to her and the trees lent her their strength. She was at peace knowing she would be in the comfort of God’s creations. She walked 10 kms or more mostly every day while she battled, even during her treatments. She would always be seen hiking Pictou Road with her two fur girlies, Seven and Pearl, as she made her way to the trail and Mike trucking far behind her. She stayed positive, always smiling and longed for another summer at the beach. She enjoyed many days at Brule with her family, the kids and second family at the MacDonald cottage. Belly laughs were a common occurrence if Paula was involved which ended in sore bellies and tears of laughter, especially if sister, Marilyn was there too. She always made a joke of any situation, good or bad. Paula came from a large family which she was very close with, thanks to her mother, Lou, whom she loved dearly. It wasn’t a holiday or birthday without seeing everyone. The rink was another spot Paula could be found watching her husband in the early years, brothers, son, nephews and most recently her grandsons. Her grandsons and her children were the light and spark in her heart. She cherished every moment she spent with them laughing, colouring, outside sledding, building snowmen, throwing the ball around, biking – you name it. They will never forget how special their Nanny was and will always be. She shared a special bond with her little fox. She always taught them to love, learn and take responsibility. For over 40 years she shared her journeys with the love of her life, Mike. Their love was undeniable and showed through the ups and downs of life and how much they grew together. They enjoyed working around the yard in the gardens and their annual trips to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. During her fighting journey, they did get to enjoy horseback riding together on the beach, a trip to Jamaica and seeing Cher live in Boston. He will always cherish their time together and live knowing she was always his angel.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the many doctors, oncologists, nurses and the palliative care team. Dr. Don Rowe and Julia were instrumental in her care.
In her wise words please always be kind to one another and if you hear the birds chirping or the sun shining you will know Paula is with you. Listen to the music and don’t let anyone break your stride.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. A celebration of life and graveside service will take place at a later date when friends and family are able to gather. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CEHHC Foundation “We Care About Cancer” fund. Online condolences are available at www.ColchesterCommunity.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paula Therese
MacDonald 1962 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia