MacDONALD
It is with great sadness that the family of Joan Campbell MacDonald announce her passing on October 7th, 2026 at the Inverness County Memorial Hospital surrounded by love and friendship at the age of 52. She was the youngest redhead of Ronnie and the late, Josephine (née Campbell) MacDonald of Port Hood. She is survived by her sisters, Kelly Nicolson (Rob) of Dartmouth and Therese (Keith Young) of Calgary; brother, Tom (Malou) of Fort McMurray; and sister in-law, Peggy MacDonald of Dartmouth. She will be lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Megan, Genevieve, and Todd MacDonald; Lena, Jesse, and Nora Young; Kelvin (Debby) and Martin (Pamela); and grand nephews Primo, Calvin, and Franko. She is also survived her aunts Tena Murphy (Pat) of Mississauga, Betty Anne Campbell of Judique, and Mary Campbell of Prince George; uncle Tony Campbell (Flo) of Judique; many cousins; and her community at L’Arche Cape Breton, who have been her family for the last 18 years. She is predeceased by her mother Josephine and brother Peter MacDonald. Joan brought a unique light into the lives of all who knew her. Joan’s smile, laughter, and genuine affection had a way of making others feel welcomed and valued. Joan taught those around her powerful lessons about patience, unconditional love, and the importance of celebrating every achievement, big or small. She gave the best hugs and was always up for a group hug. While Joan required a little more support and time to accomplish tasks in her early years, once she started walking, there was no stopping her. She played sports in the backyard with us where she developed her love of hockey (The Maple Leafs), baseball (The Jays), and football. She loved visiting her Uncle Buddy on the farm in Little Judique Ponds to see the cows or visiting “Horse” Donald on the Joe Effie Road to see the horses. She especially loved her swing set in the backyard and the hula hoop. Joan graduated from Judique-Creignish High School. She worked in the Post Office in Judique with Kaye, Port Hood Co-op, and North End Building Supplies before following her true love of art. It was not until she moved to L’Arche Cape Breton that she truly discovered and developed her talent and defined herself as an artist and entertainer. She was an enthusiastic participant at Springfest and various performances by L’Arche Cape Breton. Joan’s light shone brightly in any room she was in. She may not have understood the concept of time or the rigid rules of math, but she knew how to express herself through her art far better than most. She knew a good person when she met them and truly loved them with all her heart. Joan loved to tease, but anyone who teased her back would be put in their place! She travelled across Canada to visit family or on vacation with her friends at L’Arche. These are a few of her highlights. She held the Olympic torch, met Terry Fox, attended a Calgary Flames game and a Blue Jays game, and visited the Anne Murray Centre because of her love of Anne Murray’s music. She loved playing Steal the Pack, Snakes and Ladders, and her Diet Coke. Joan lived a life filled with experiences, friendships, laughter, and love. She was tough! She fought through many hospitalizations, remaining her sassy self until she couldn’t. We love you big, Joan. Give Mom and Peter a big hug from us. Visitation will be held on October 14th, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Port Hood Resting Place. Funeral mass will be held on October 15th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Port Hood. We would like to thank the staff at Inverness County Memorial Hospital who cared for her in the last few days of her life, especially Dr. Lauren Cooper, Dr. Rhea MacDonald, and nurses. We are deeply grateful to the staff and community of L’Arche Cape Breton for their kindness and compassion shown towards Joan and family. In lieu of flowers Joan’s family ask that you please roll up your sleeves and make an appointment to donate blood in her memory because “it is in you to give”. Appointments can be made under the Partners for Life Program, “Peter and Friends.” If you cannot roll up your sleeve, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Joan’s memory to L’Arche Cape Breton, www.larchecapebreton.org. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Funeral Co-op, Margaree Valley. Online condolences: www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com.
MacDONNELL
We are saddened to announce the passing of Peter Joseph MacDonnell, age 72, on October 10th, 2026, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Born on October 5th, 1954, in New Waterford, Peter was the son of the late Archie and Agnes (Samson) MacDonnell. He was raised in Deepdale, where he later put down permanent roots and raised a family of his own. Throughout his life, Peter was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his family. A skilled bricklayer, he and his brother, Frankie, worked across Canada. They were known for their hard work, skill, pride in their trade, and, most importantly, their unbreakable bond. Peter loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was always looking for a project, and there was no job too big or too small that he would not tackle with dedication and precision. He especially loved spending time with his beloved dog, Bailey, and taking him along for drives. Above all else, Peter’s family was his greatest joy. He loved his children deeply and was proud of each of them and the lives they built. Peter also had the joy of being a bonus “Papa” to Sawyer, who brought so much love and happiness to his life. Peter will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Claire, and his five children; Matthew (Heather), Amanda (Jeremy), Sarah (Steve), James (Katie), and Liam (Andrea). He is also survived by his siblings, Tina, Josephine (David), and Frankie (Michelle), as well as his nieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Archie and Agnes (Samson) MacDonnell; sister, Ann-Marie; and his sister in infancy, Theresa. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. A special thank you to his nephew, Jonathan, and daughter-in-law, Katie, for their compassion, advocacy, and unwavering efforts to do everything they could for him. The memories Peter leaves behind will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026, from 10:00-10:45 a.m. with funeral mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. in St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Broad Cove. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.