Barbara MacDonald
1937-2020
Barbara Jean MacDonald, RN, Age 82 of New Glasgow, passed away peacefully at home on March 6th, 2020 with loving family by her side. She was born in Fredericton, NB, in 1937 to the late Mildred (nee McCrae) and Johnson DuPlessis.
Barbara grew up in Moncton and spent each summer with her McCrae family in Nashwaak Bridge, NB, returning annually after marriage, bringing her own family and continuing the cherished relationships of extended family.
As a teenager, Barbara had part-time jobs, first Woolworths and later at Eatons. She graduated from Moncton High School in 1956. From there, she relocated to New Glasgow, NS, to attend the Aberdeen Hospital School of Nursing, proudly graduating in 1959. Barbara was an active member of her alumnae association until the autumn of 2019 when her declining health prevented her participation. Her nursing classmates and colleagues remained choice and treasured friends throughout her life.
It was during her senior year of nursing school that she met Gerald "the Fur Man" MacDonald whom she married shortly after graduation. They set up home in New Glasgow where they both worked and raised their family. Barbara loved her children and was proud of their accomplishments and would attribute their success to her continually (right up to the last week of her life) telling each of them to "be good".
Barbara’s passing will result in a devaluation of hairspray stock. Her dependence on hairspray and abstinence from hats, hoods, wind and rain in an effort to preserve her perfect hairdo will be well remembered. Special thanks to her hairstylist daughter, Jennifer, who for decades styled her hair twice a week.
Barbara was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher, Relief Society President, temple worker, and the coveted calling of magazine rep. She will be missed by her quilting group friends as it was her job to hand-sew bindings onto the quilts. The thimble has been passed.
Barbara tried her hand at various endeavours throughout her life. She would accept nothing less than perfection for her efforts. She would knit beautiful afghans and baby sweaters, but not vast quantities as she spent almost equal times knitting as she did unraveling perceived mistakes in her work. She prided herself in baking a perfect tea biscuit and if a batch browned slightly more than her standard of golden, it was quickly discarded and a new batch begun. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed receiving a recommended book as well as passing on a recommended read. She, with her husband Gerald, enjoyed reading the daily newspaper and watching daily TV news. She was well-versed in current affairs, politics and had an incredible knowledge of geography and cultures around the world which aided her with her daily crossword puzzles. Barbara enjoyed reading books to seniors at High-Crest Place. Additional volunteer experiences which she enjoyed included serving with the Shepherd’s Lunch Room and Laubach Literacy.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 60 years, Gerald MacDonald, and their children: Susan Harper (Terry), Airdrie, AB; Stephen (Karen), New Glasgow; Heather McKay, Lake Echo; Lisa Billard (Bob), Musquodoboit Harbour; Jennifer Holmes (Trevor), Fox Brook; 12 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and son-in-law, Brian McKay.
Special thanks to daughter Susan who came from Alberta in November for a two week visit and decided to stay "til the end". With the support of her father and siblings, she was Mom’s primary caregiver providing compassion, companionship, sustenance and nursing care, ensuring Mom had a gentle transition to the next life.
Appreciation for compassionate care is also extended to Palliative Care nurse Rachel MacDonald and the VON nurses.
Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 pm Tuesday at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. Funeral will be held 2 pm Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 384 Abercrombie Rd., New Glasgow. Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society.