Darla Ann MacLean, a gentle and loving soul, passed away peacefully on May 5th 2026 leaving behind a legacy rooted in kindness, faithfulness, and life’s little joys.
Darla was born in New Glasgow on February 27, 1942. She was the third of five children to her parents, George and Nan Campbell. She graduated from NGHS and continued on to work for MT&T and from there to CCRSB as a secretary for the rest of her career.
Darla lived a life centred on the simple but meaningful things she cherished most, tending to her gardens, nurturing her family, and creating a home filled with warmth. Her garden was her sanctuary – a place where she found peace, and where her care brought beauty to life, season after season.
Darla loved cooking and baking for those she loved. Her kitchen was often filled with the aroma of fresh baked cookies and family recipes lovingly prepared and shared with family. The beach was a place of happiness for Darla and she enjoyed many summers at Melmerby, relaxing with family by the ocean.
Above all, she deeply loved her family. She shared an unbreakable bond with her sisters and brother whose companionship brought her laughter and comfort throughout her life and, most of all, her beloved husband, Sonny, with whom she built a life grounded in love, kindness, and cherished memories.
As a mother, she gave her whole heart to her only son, Glenn, guiding him with patience, pride and unwavering support. He was her pride and joy.
Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit, her quiet strength, and the way she made others feel seen and cared for without ever asking for anything in return.
Darla is survived by her son, Glenn (Sherri); sister, Kathy Campbell (Susan); special niece, Jill Curley; sister-in-law, Kathy Munroe; and her MacLean in-laws, Bob, Doris, Viola, and Pat. Darla is also survived by close friend, Sheila MacDonald as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Darla was predeceased by her husband, David "Sonny", her parents, George and Nan Campbell, siblings, Shirley MacCulloch (Clifford), Donald Campbell and Nancy Curley as well as her MacLean in-laws, Joe, Ducky, Jack, Isabel (Albert), Marion (Frank), Kaye (Jim), Betty (Roddy) and Harvey. She was also predeceased by her cousin and best friend since childhood, Donna MacIvor.
Her memory will live on in the flowers that bloom, the love she gave so freely and the family she held so close.
Visitation will be held at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow on Wednesday, May 13 from 6-8 pm. The funeral service, followed by reception, will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in New Glasgow on Thursday, May 14 at 11 am. Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Cemetery, New Glasgow. If desired, donations in Darla’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia.