MACDONALD, Ellen

With heavy hearts we share the news of Ellen's peaceful passing at age 83. Resident of Judique and born in Port Hood to the late Sadie and Hughie Macinnis; Ellen was predeceased by her longtime love and partner, Kenny Gillis. Ellen is survived by sisters, Anne, Gena, Marie, Rosie, Louise; and brother, Brian. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by sisters, Tootsie and Margie; brother, Kevin; and daughter-in-law, Debi. Ellen was a loving and dedicated mother to Paul (Sheila), Heather (Steve), Kelly (Danny), and Scott (Kim). Grandmother to David (Tara), Tiffany (Greg), Mark (Candace), Scott (Liandra), Liam, Elli, Abby, Tara, John, Daniel, Julia, Hana and Hayden and great- grandchildren; Maddie, Tyler, Lucus, Akira, Harlow, Lexie, Malikai, and Maxime. She shaped the lives of her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren with magical fairy chairs and trips to the beach that ALWAYS ended with the ice cream barn. Ellen was blessed to have many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Aunt Mary Macisaac and Uncle Benny Macisaac. A lifelong teacher who spent most of her career in the Dartmouth School System, Ellen's most important lessons taught us how to love whole heartedly, live life to the fullest and to find joy in brightening the lives of others. Ellen lived a busy and fulfilling life and brought joy to many people and events, whether in the bowling alley, with the Red Hatters, at the card table, the sisters' scrabble games and walking, lunching, and shopping with her many friends. Some of her many hobbies were knitting, baking, exercising, doing the crossword, reading, gardening and writing in her journal. People were drawn to Ellen's liveliness and humor, and she picked up lifelong friends everywhere she went. She also had a strong sense of compassion and responsibility for family and community. You would often find Ellen baking for a community event, helping an elderly or sick neighbor, giving someone a lift or supporting someone less fortunate. Visitation 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 6, in the Judique Firehall. Mass will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, May 7, in St Andrews Church, Judique. In lieu of flowers Mom would love it if everyone would consider a donation to Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia or a gift of donating blood. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Funeral Co-operative, Margaree Valley. Online condolences: www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com