DOUCET
Helen Marie “Honey” Doucet, June 12th, 1953, to July 14th, 2026. Helen passed away in the early morning on July 14th, 2026, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Helen was well loved by everyone at Ceilidh House. Many thanks to Valerie, Sally, Ella, Andrea, Mellissa, Linda, Dakota, Dana, Augustine, Regan, Hassan, and Bernadette. The love and bond that the staff had with Helen was truly enormous and she was lucky to have all of you. Many thanks to Dr Lafrance, Dr Ritter, and the exceptional nurses at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Funeral Mass for Helen will be held in Stella Maris Church, Inverness on August 7th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. On behalf of Helen’s family, we can’t thank you enough for your unconditional love. Memorial donations in memory of Helen can be made to Ceilidh House, Inverness. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfunweralhome.com.
MACDONALD, MARY
It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Marcella MacDonald announce her passing on July 19th, 2026. Marcella was born in Broad Cove on May 14th, 1934. She was a daughter of the late Hugh L and Margaret MacLellan. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ernest MacDonald; children, Barbara (Geoff) Hardy, Lorraine (Kevin) MacDonald, Clare (Ronnie) Rankin, Stephen (Barbara) MacDonald, Linda (Kevin) MacDonald, and Peter (Hayley) MacDonald, 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and sister, Mary (late Jack) Campbell. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Veronica Margaret; sisters, Isabel (late Tony) Metz, Betty (Ray) MacDonald; and brother, Rev Alex MacLellan. Visitation will be held in Inverness Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held in St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Broad Cove on Thursday, July 30th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Margaret of Scotland Parish Cemetery or a charity of your choice. The family would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the staff at the Inverary Manor for the exemplary care provided to Marcella and to the staff of Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
MACDONALD, MURDOCK
Murdock Ranald Macdonald, September 27th, 1957 – July 21st, 2026. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our brother Murdock Ranald. His passing has left an immeasurable void in our hearts. Murdock’s life led him from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to Calgary, Alberta, to Amsterdam, followed by Southern France and Monaco and then on to Cape Town, South Africa. It is no exaggeration to say that Murdock lit up the lives of everyone he met. Friends, languages, trades, travel – all came with ease and grace to Murdock. He had a rare and beautiful gift that made a person feel seen, heard, and personally appreciated in his company. He was an extraordinary and generous man, who was much loved by his family and his many friends. His magnetism and energy brought people from all corners of the world together to enjoy life to the very fullest. He was born in Inverness, Nova Scotia, the sixth child of John Andrew and Sadie Aileen Macdonald. Even at a young age Murdock showed an appetite for action, adventure, sports, and of course music. After the passing of Sadie and John Andrew, the family moved to Calgary where Murdock attended Queen Elizabeth High School, and later SAIT. Murdock had a fierce and fearless appetite for meeting people, discovering new cultures and exploring the world. Murdock didn’t just like to travel, he was involved in all of the different communities he lived in – personally, socially, politically, and economically. Everywhere he went, he made his mark, and happily hosted friends and family who made the trek to see him. Murdock personified joie de vivre. To the joy of his family, Murdock returned to Canada. The new generations were especially happy to get to know their fascinating, lovable uncle. Though Murdock travelled the world, he always remained rooted in his family’s home life, his enjoyment of a card game, supporting his favourite sports teams, and having tea and biscuits. Murdock is survived by brothers: Ian (Jane), Calum (Karla), Andrew, sisters: Lena, Eleanor (Bill), Heather Allardyce, Kathleen (Mikael) along with many nieces and nephews, all of whom will greatly miss him. Murdock was predeceased by parents, John Andrew and Sadie: brothers, Roderick Daniel (Rick) and John Duart, in-laws, Rose Mary Macdonald (Andrew), Glen Allardyce (Heather), Joseph Angelini (Lena), and Janis Stanton (John Duart), and nephew Shane Moore. A celebration of Murdock’s life will follow in the spring of 2027. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.
MCMASTER
Alice Anne (Burke) McMaster, 104, of Inverness NS, passed away peacefully at home on July 22nd, 2026. Alice was born on Aug 24th, 1921, in Glace Bay Hospital. She was a daughter of the late Christie (Bryden) Burke and Patrick Burke. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Vincent Melanson McMaster, two siblings, Mary Rizok and Joe Burke, and her youngest daughter, Evelyn (died following birth). Alice is survived by her adult children, Patricia MacNeil, Joanne (Lloyd) MacDougall, Alice (Scott) MacGregor, Vincent (Sandy) McMaster, Duncan (Wanda) McMaster, Elizabeth McMaster, Elaine (Charlie) Cameron, and Michelle McMaster (Brenda Wilson); 12 grandchildren, (Dustin, Hayden, Eppy, Hayley, Ashley, Bryden, Justin, Patricia, Matthew, Duncan, Lindsay, and Caleb); and 12 great grandchildren. Mom was a committed lifelong learner. From an early age, she loved academics. She also learned many practical skills working on her parents’ farm. After high school, she obtained her R.N. degree in Sydney, N.S., and then her bachelor of science in nursing at St. F.X. University in 1947. Alice became a nursing instructor. She and other instructors played a pivotal role in shaping early generations of Cape Breton nurses. She was nursing in Glace Bay when she met her future husband, the local dentist, during a dental appointment. After marriage and the birth of her first child, they moved from Glace Bay to Inverness. Her nursing career ended as her role as mother and wife took center stage. After the birth of the fifth of her nine children, she went back to study to become a teacher, graduating from St. Mary’s University with a bachelor of education in 1963. Mom loved teaching and for many years worked either part time, full time or as a supply teacher. Always curious, Mom read voraciously. Her reading included the news, history, geography, English, nursing, science books, you name it. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, sudoku, and the TV program Jeopardy. While the family was growing, and Mom was working, she still found time for community work: Catholic council, Catholic Women’s League, working with immigrant families, and helping out during elections. Alice was well-loved by family, friends, colleagues and students. Her focus was always on the other person. Even when bedridden, the last number of years, she woke with a smile and a genuinely warm “Good morning, dear”. Due to hearing loss and extreme poor sight, when she could no longer read or listen to news, she still loved to chat, sing songs, and recite poetry and nursery rhymes. She never ceased to feed her mind. She had a formidable memory. I speak for all her adult children in saying we think she was perfect. Her legacy is as our role model on how to have peace of mind, be gentle and kind, and make the best of every situation. The family is grateful for the kindness and immense support of Dr. John Ritter and the palliative care nurses, the homecare team, and Dr. Susie Egar. Visitation was held in Stella Maris Church, Inverness Tuesday, July 28th, 2026, from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
MACQUARRIE
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Angus Stewart MacQuarrie, age 90, of Inverness, on July 21st, 2026, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Born on August 21st, 1935, in Inverness, Angus was a son of the late Malcolm and Janet (MacLellan) MacQuarrie. Angus is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mabel; his daughters, Angela (Jimmy) and Andrea (Brian); his son, Mark (Nicole); his five cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Laura (Ben), Derek (Danielle), Luke, and Ben; and his first great-grandson, Lane. He is also survived by his sister, Floanna; his brothers, Cameron (Clare), Cecil (Mary), Alex (Willena), and Lauchie (Millie); his uncle, Gussie; sisters-in-law Middy (late Mattie), Olga (Scott) and brother-in-law Sandy (Deanna) and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Angus was predeceased by his brother, Stanley; his sisters, Danena and Abby; mother-in-law, Florence MacLean, father-in-law, Alexander MacLean; and his brothers-in-law, Al Chisholm, Neddy MacDonald, and Malcolm MacKinnon. Family was at the heart of Angus’s life. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved, sharing stories and reminiscing about days gone by. His storytelling left his family with countless memories that will be passed down for generations. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and this past year his first great-grandson, Lane, brought him immeasurable joy and held a very special place in his heart. Throughout his life, Angus formed many lasting friendships, from childhood companions to friends made during his years working at the Inverness Memorial Hospital, Canso Regional Vocational School, and the Department of Highways. He also valued the friendships he developed through the many organizations he was proud to be a part of, including the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners International, the Inverness Raceway, the Progressive Conservative Party, and the Inverness Cottage Workshop. He was also a respected member and elder of St. Matthew’s United Church. Harness racing was one of Angus’s greatest passions. He was a lifelong supporter of the Inverness Raceway, where he served as an owner, judge, executive member, and enthusiastic advocate for the sport he loved. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited Angus over the past several months. Special appreciation is extended to Stephanie MacIsaac for her compassionate care and support. The family also wishes to thank the physicians and staff of the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, especially Mary Anderson, Dr. Wissam Saliba, and the Oncology Department staff, for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Angus. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31st, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in St. Matthew’s United Church, Inverness, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Nick Phillips. Burial will follow at St. Matthew’s United Church Cemetery, Strathlorne with a reception afterward at the Inverness Fire Hall. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Matthew’s United Church Cemetery Fund, the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation, or the Inverness Food Bank. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com. “He has crossed the finish line, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories.”