Margaret ‘Margie’ Mary Mac Donnell CND
Feb. 22, 2025

Margaret M. Mac Donell, CND of Holy Redeemer Convent, died on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at the palliative care unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.

Margie was born in Antigonish to the late Colin Francis Mac Donell and Ellen Mae Grant.

From the earliest years of her life, Margie was taught by her parents to be present to the older seniors in her neighbourhood by visiting with them by helping them with whatever chores that they needed to have done such as hauling in water, fetching wood for the kitchen wood stove, and simply sitting down with them for a little chat.

Besides her parents, Margie was predeceased by her grandparents and brothers, Grant and Danny.

Margie is survived by her sister, Anne Hyde; sister-in-law, Aurelia; nieces, nephews and her cherished friends.

Education was always a priority in the family home. This thirst for education remained with Margie during her entire life. On Aug. 15, 1963, Margie was professed as a member of the Congregation of Notre Dame. This event steered Margie, the future educator, to teach children and adult faith groups for over 45 years, the vast percentage of these years in Rocky Mountain House, Alta.

Before moving to Alberta, Margie taught in schools on mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.

We might ask the question what were the priorities in Margie’s life? These priorities would include a strong, living faith which was fostered in the family home, relationships, the intellectual development of students, the equality of all people, her cherished friends, and advocating justice for all people. Margie loved the outdoors — the mountains, the hiking trails (sometimes taking a dog along with her), and all the beauty that Alberta has to offer.
Margie was an avid reader all her life — yes, one could say: “There’s Margie with her book.” Margie always followed politics — global and provincial. She had a special interest in Canadian politics. If one wondered about Canadian politics, who should be our choice for our next prime minister, she would give you an authoritative response. “We shall leave that response for you, the individual, to figure that out.”

During her years of teaching at Rocky Mountain Elementary School, Margie became increasingly aware of the bullying and acts of violence among students and even in families. There had to be a solution. Sisters Margie Mac Donell and Catherine Peters went to Florida to participate in courses in Peace Education.  Here is a brief snapshot of the Peace Program which became a part of the curriculum of Rocky Mountain Elementary School. The following information was adapted from the book, These Hands by Dave Gunning and George Canyon. “Hands are not for hitting. Hands are for helping. Hands are for playing and hands are for much more!”

In October 2023 Margie returned home to Cape Breton, residing at Holy Redeemer Convent, Sydney, Nova Scotia. We all enjoyed her resilient personality that enlivened our community and the lives of cancer patients. Margie’s battle with cancer developed in the late fall of 2024. When Margie was asked how do you feel about your cancer. Her reply was: “It is what it is.” Margie was asked if she had a message for her family. This is her response “Keep in touch.” Never did Margie allow her cancer to put extra burdens on others. Margie was admitted to the hospital in early February 2025 and died on February 22, 2025.

We will always miss you, Margie. At the same time, we shall remember the consoling words of Evelyn Loughlin, a Scottish Lady from Innisfail, Alta., “Our beloved dead are with God and God is very near.”

There was no visitation for the late Margaret Mac Donell, CND. Memorial Mass was celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. A reception followed at the Pier Community Funeral Home. Private interment will take place at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.