MACDONALD (Macneil), Sandra Anne

Of Troy, Inverness Co., finished her life’s marathon of 62 years on Sunday, June 28, 2020, at home with her family. She was a daughter of the late Alex and Mary (Macdonald) Macneil. Sandra’s dedication to family began at an early age. After the passing of her mother, Sandra and her sister formed a team with their father to care for their three younger brothers. Sandra treasured her close relationships with all four siblings throughout her life. Sandra graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics. From there, she sailed to Southern Harbour, N.L. to begin her teaching career. Two years later, she returned home and taught in Judique, Whycocomagh, and Port Hawkesbury schools. In 2008, Sandra completed her Master of Education (Diverse Learners) Degree. She retired from Tamarac Education Centre in 2017. On August 18, 1984, Sandra married Joe Macdonald of New Waterford, in Creignish’s Stella Maris Church. Sandra and Joe’s home expanded to a family of five with the birth of their three children, Michael, Iain and Catherine Mae. Sandra and Joe welcomed their first grandchild, William, this past May, who was able to get some quality time with his grandma before her passing. We will always remember Sandra’s elegance, glamour, kindness and warmth. She had a caring energy that radiated from her and an ability to tell funny stories (with perfect diction) that would capture a room, all while styling in the latest fashion trends. Sandra’s presence made anyone around her feel taken care of. She was engaged in school, community and her children’s activities all of her life. From organizing and assisting with track teams, Terry Fox runs and parish events, to the hockey rinks and baseball fields, Sandra was always there. She was an avid quilter with the Tea Thyme Quilters, became the local Nova’s No. 1 fan, and joined the Port Hawkesbury Running Group at the spry age of 50. Sandra successfully completed 10 K’s, a half marathon and the training for a full marathon, only to be sidelined by cancer treatment. Sandra’s hospitable, considerate and caring nature will live on in her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by her loving husband of 35 plus years, Joe; sons, Michael (Diana), Iain (Alex); daughter, Catherine Mae (Liam); grandson, William; sister, Callista Burridge; brothers, Johnny Macneil, Gerard (Angela) Macneil, John (Julia) Steele; sistersin-law, Jeanette Beaton, Annie Mae (Duncan) Gillis, Carol Anne (Gerard) Graham; brother-in-law, Dan (Bev) Macdonald; as well as special aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins and a large circle of friends and neighbours. Sandra was predeceased by brothersin-law, A.J. Beaton, Dana Burridge; parents-in-law, Danena, Michael, Kaye Macdonald. Sandra’s family would like to express sincere thanks to the following for their care and support, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Murphy, Dr. Rayson, doctors and nurses of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s, Palliative/continuing Care nurses and home caregivers, nurse/ cousin Louise Macneil, Michael Hatt and staff at the Medicine Shoppe and the countless neighbours and friends who visited, provided meals and treats, said prayers, offered support, and helped with services. Joe and family would especially like to thank Callista for her loving care on this journey. Visitation will take place in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 724 Granville St., Port Hawkesbury on Saturday, July 4th from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday, July 5th from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. A private family funeral service will take place on Monday, July 6th with Father Duncan Macisaac and Father Allan Macmillan con-celebrating followed by burial in Stella Maris Cemetery, Creignish at 11:40 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandra’s memory to any of the following charities would be graciously appreciated: Strait Richmond Palliative Care, Stella Maris Church/cemetery (Creignish), Tamarac Education Centre Breakfast Program. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years."

...but, oh, how we will miss you!