MACDONALD, Mary Leona

Age 84, Port Hawkesbury, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, in Strait Richmond Hospital, with her loving family by her side. Born in Sydney on August 19, 1936, Leona was the only daughter of the late James Arthur "Gus" Maclean and Florence Macdonald. Her early years were spent in Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, and Antigonish, finally settling in Port Hawkesbury when she married her husband, the late Allan Donald "A. D." Macdonald, where together they raised two sons. As a teenager, Leona loved spending time in the summer with her Aunts at the Macdonald Hotel in St. Peter’s and with her Uncles in Soldier’s Cove. She attended St. F. X. University until her marriage and was very proud to display her X ring on her finger. She was a proud, but nervous hockey mom, and worried about her boys throughout her life. She was a gifted homemaker, making sure to always have a delicious meal, a dainty sweet, and a clean house for her family. Leona and A.D. loved spending time with family in Antigonish and Judique, where she was a much-loved Aunt by the extended Allan Ian clan. In her later years she loved nothing more than spending time with her sons and their families, especially her three grandchildren, and was affectionately known as "Lona" by Cyndal and "Nanny Mess" by Cody and Travis. A drive in the car, a family meal, a bag of fast food, potato chips, a chocolate bar, and a glass of pop were always guaranteed to bring a smile to her face. Leona is survived by her sons, Wayne (Sandra), Port Hawkesbury; and Jamie (Eileen), Port Hastings; her cherished grandchildren, Cyndal, Fort Macmurray; Cody and Travis, Port Hastings; her brother, Reg (Beverly) Maclean, Pleasant Valley, Antigonish Co.; nephews, Gary Maclean and Kenny MacDonald, Antigonish. Leona is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Jeanette Macdonald (the late Albert), Port Hood; and Katie Ellen Nedder (the late Charlie), Connecticut; brothers-in-law, Donald Roddie (Sylvia), Billy (Monica), Harold (Coleen), Joe (Elain), all of Judique; as well as numerous Allan Ian nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, A.D., and her parents, Gus and Florence, she was predeceased by her brother, Sandy; brother-inlaw, Albert; and his wife, Cecelia Macdonald; sisters-in-law, Margaret (the late Ted) Visser and Catherine (the late Ernie) Bannister. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no visitation. Funeral Mass will be held from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury, on Saturday, January 9th at 10 a.m., with Father Conrad Edwards officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Seating is limited and social distancing measures will be in place at the church and face masks are required at all times. The family would like to thank Dr. Collins for his care of Leona over many years, as well as the nurses of Strait Richmond Hospital, especially Holly Macdonald, for their compassionate care, and the ER doctors and nurses of St. Martha’s. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Parish Capital Fund, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com