It is with broken hearts and undying love that we announce the passing of our beloved sister and best friend. On September 14th, 2022, Sandra “Sam” MacDonald passed away at the age of 59 in the An Cala Unit of the CBRH.
Born in Sydney to loving parents, John and Hattie MacDonald, Sam grew up in Edwardsville until the family moved to Westmount in the early 80s.
Upon graduation from CBBC, Sam was hired for a maternity term at the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority where she worked for 37 years. She was the consummate employee, with a strong work ethic, professionalism, and willingness to help people. The job suited her well.
Sam enjoyed playing the guitar and her organ, especially at Christmas. Celtic music was in her soul. From our kitchen to halls all over Cape Breton, you could find Norm and her at concerts, milling frolics and weekend dances. Sam’s talent for step dancing was well known. Favorite tunes included Big John McNeil, King George and Miss Lyall. Together with Marie Wilson, they taught the joy of step dancing to young and old alike. Sam had a deep abiding connection to her church, and its community. In the role of Sunday School Superintendent, she instilled faith and values in many children throughout the years.
You could describe Sam in many words, strong, brave, kind, dependable, extremely funny and loving. She enjoyed wildlife, particularly deer, which would come to be fed when she called.
Her biggest role in life was being an aunt and loving her nieces and nephews like her own. As sisters, the three of us always took great joy in being together. We faced whatever life threw at us with strength, faith and love.
Leaving behind are her sisters, Helen Charlong, Sydney and Donna (Blair) MacLeod, Howie Center; the love of her life, fiancé, Norman MacDonald, East Bay; special nieces and nephews, Maureen Charlong, Sydney, Ian (Sandra) Charlong, Oromocto, Tyler MacLeod (Catherine Briand), Howie Center and Cassie MacLeod (Josh Green), Howie Center; great-niece, Raelynn Charlong; uncle, Silas (Jeanette) Hendsbee, Ontario; aunt, Marie (George) Ireland, Ontario and aunt, Flossy (Pat) Rhynold, Half Island Cove, along with numerous cousins. Also, left to mourn is Sam’s extended East Bay family. She will be dearly missed by her special friends, Linda Lefort and Cathy Burke.
Predeceased by her parents, John and Hattie (Hendsbee) MacDonald; maternal grandparents, Daniel and Emily Hendsbee; paternal grandparents, Hugh and Catherine MacDonald, along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A special thank you to Dr. MacCormick and the nurses in the Cancer Center for all your care and compassion over the past 18 years. Also, to Arlene Billard, NP and the Halifax Oncology team. To the nurses of An Cala, words are not enough to express our sincere gratitude for the continuing care, warmth and kindness you provided Sam and her family over the past three weeks. The dedicated doctors in Palliative Care, thank you for all you have done, your work ethic and bedside manner is exceptional.
Visitation for the late Sandra MacDonald will be held Sunday, September 18th from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Sydney Memorial Chapel with the funeral service on Monday, September 19th at 11 a.m. at Westmount United Church, Westmount, followed by a reception at the Westside Legion, Branch 126. Interment will take place in Black River Cemetery, Black River.
Donations in Sandra’s name may be made to the An Cala Unit, Two Rivers Wildlife Park or a charity of one’s choice.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sandra Lee Sam MacDonald 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia