AUSTIN-MacDONALD, Raeanne Margaret
On the 12th day of the 12th month of 2019, Raeanne succumbed to her long fight with congestive heart failure. Raeanne died from a sudden heart attack surrounded by love from her daughter Margaret and her husband Lauchie. For over 30 years, Raeanne was a dedicated Department Head and Teacher at Cole Harbour District High School working tirelessly and efficiently to connect with and guide students, staff, and administration before a diagnosis of a rare muscle disease ended her teaching career three years ago. Raeanne loved to dance. When Raeanne was younger, she would dance all night, and she kept dancing as her illness progressed even if she was confined to her chair. Raeanne was a loving friend. While dealing with tremendous adversity, Raeanne always showed grace, humor, and cheer to all. Raeanne taught by example, and just being around her made anyone who knew her a little better person. Raeanne was a class act. Raeanne loved her family greatly. Raeanne is survived by her daughter, Margaret MacDonald; husband, Lauchie MacDonald; mother, Joan (O’Neill) Austin; sisters, Cori (Todd) Austin-Sturgeon, Sarah (Norm) Austin-Hill; nieces, Beth (Jeff) Chisholm-Sanford, Emily Sturgeon; nephews, Peter (Heather) Chisholm and Joe Sturgeon; and grandnephew, Robbie Chisholm. Raeanne was predeceased by her father, Gilbert "Rae" Austin; and sisters, Cherie Austin and Katie (Ron) Austin-Chisholm. The family wishes to thank Dr. Lewis and Dr. Gibson from Cole Harbour Family Medicine, the many specialists she met at Dartmouth General Hospital and QEII, Amanda Tinning from the Transitional Heart Failure Clinic who always went the extra mile for Raeanne, the VON nurses who came faithfully several times a week, and the many caregivers from CBI, including Laurie Provost and Amanda F., who provided care and friendship, and a special shout out to caregiver Paulette Belge who arrived in the middle of the final event Thursday evening and provided care, professionalism, and direction during a very difficult moment. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Raeanne’s life will take place at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Feed Nova Scotia. A brilliant beacon has been lost in Cole Harbour, but a new, bright light shines in the night sky to guide us.