Obituary of Sylvia Mary Macdonald

Macdonald, Sylvia M. 

Aug. 24, 1921  -   Dec.12, 2018

Pictou

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Sylvia Mary (Bellamy) Macdonald on December 12th in the Shiretown Nursing Home in Pictou, at the age of 97. Born August 24, 1921 in Lye, England, she was a daughter of the late Erdwick and Nora (Bills) Bellamy. In 1943 Sylvia married Sergeant Alastair Macdonald, and in 1946 she arrived with their son Alastair on the Queen Mary at Pier 21 in Halifax. Her first home in Canada was the old Macdonald homestead in Wilburn, Cape Breton, and she recalled how excited she was for such an adventure and felt like a pioneer. Later that year she moved to Wolfville while Alastair attended Acadia University, and they had their second son, John. After graduation, in 1948, Alastair accepted a teaching position in Middleton, where they had third son, Bob. In 1953 they moved to Middle Musquodoboit, then to Pictou in 1961. Sylvia was a member of the War Brides Association, a member of the United Church Women, CGIT leader and a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society. In 2010 she received the Provincial Volunteer Award for 50 years of service. Sylvia sang beautifully and was a member of the Pictou United Church Choir and the Noteable Friends Community Choir of Pictou County. In 1955 in Middle Musquodoboit she began to hook rugs and was a founding member of the Rug Hooking Guild of NS. She was a popular instructor and well known for her artistry and unique designs. Sylvia enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Pictou Garden Club and Horticulture Society. As an artist, she was a skilled painter and also sculpted many of her pottery “Pictou Whimseys”. Sylvia is survived by her sons, Alastair (Catherine), Colby Village; John ”Spyder” (Marjorie Anne), Pictou; and Bob (Margaret), Dartmouth; sister, Margaret White, Guernsey, Channel Islands; brother, John (Bernice) Bellamy, England; grandchildren, Kim, Stephanie, Sarahjane, Yariv; Lenny, John Robert, Karleigh, Jason; Alastair John, Liege, Melissa, Christopher; twelve great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Alastair; brother, Gerald; daughter-in-law, Nancy and brother-in-law, Tom White. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou, with visitation Thursday, December 20th from 2 - 4 and 7 – 9 PM. Funeral service at Pictou United Church on December 21st at 11:00 AM with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating. Reception in church hall to follow. Internment at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Pictou United Church Contemplative Garden Fund or a charity of your choice.