Obituary of Marjory Jean MacDonald

MacDONALD, Marjory J. Three Brooks It is with the heaviest of hearts we share that our dear Mom, Marjory Jean MacDonald, passed away on August 10th, 2022 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, with her daughters by her side, and surrounded by the love of her family. Mom was born April 30th, 1935 at the Young family farm in Three Brooks. The eldest of nine children, she learned and valued hard work, how to be frugal, and the importance of knowing how to make your own fun! She was a carrier of stories and community knowledge and could always be counted on for tales from her youth – from helping her dad on the farm, to good times with the neighbors, to carrying a bucket of hot coal and kindling to light the morning fire at the one-room school house. Marjory completed grade eleven at Pictou Academy and went on to do one year of Stenography. She had the most elegant hand-writing and could always be counted on for a hand-written note and a birthday card. Mom worked at Mr. Hindi’s store in Pictou for many years, and eventually ended her working years at the Tourist Bureau in Pictou. This was a job she enjoyed immensely – she wore her sash covered in buttons collected from travelers all over the world with great pride. She always had a map and a brochure to pass along, and enjoyed Sunday road-trips and picnics exploring the province she was so proud to promote. Mom married the love of her life, George, in 1954. She was a talented pianist, and his tenor singing voice stole her heart. They were known on dance-floors all across the county for their graceful moves and love of dancing together. Mom and Dad went on to have five children, who they raised in their own home on the Young family farmland in Three Brooks. Mom was so proud of her home and family. In their later years together, they could often be seen sitting under the apple tree out front with their binoculars, watching the birds and the cars going by. Mom played piano at the Caribou River Church and the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Pictou. She was a founding member of the Caribou District Fire Department where she was a past-president and an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary for many years. Three of her daughters were members of the Heatherbell Pipe Band, and she was a volunteer and fundraiser in the band’s early years. Mom was a good friend and neighbor to many, and was always ready to help in any way she could. Mom loved to be outside. Her children and grandchildren will cherish their memories of skiing, walking and biking around the farm and through Three Brooks together. She loved to skate on the pond, walk on the beach, pick and peel apples for her infamous pies, and would often pull over on the side of the road to take a picture of beautiful scenery or a sunset. She had a soft spot for many pets over the years, enjoyed having sleepovers with her grandkids, photography and playing cards. She was also a skilled knitter, quilter, embroiderer and crocheter – she made sure everyone in the family had warm socks, mittens, and a special gift for their wedding. Mom could always be counted on for a jar of mustard pickles or chow, a tin of cookies in the cupboard and an offering of tea and pie when folks stopped by. In her later years, she enjoyed watching Blue Jays baseball and Tiger Woods. Mom loved to know what was going on - she was an avid reader and always kept up with the news. In later years, she kept a little notebook by the phone where she could keep track of family news to share with the next visitor or caller. Mom never hesitated to share her thoughts and opinions, and could always be counted on for a wise-word of advice. She had strong hands, a strong voice and was strong in her way of loving all of us, and we will miss her dearly. Marjory is survived by her daughters, Jean (Ken) MacDonald, Jennifer (Gerry) Mannette, and Sandra (Wayne) Anderson; siblings, Rita (Jack) Guilfoyle, Pat Johnson, Nancy (Carman) Fader, Jim (Donna) Young, Lilla (Alan) Tanner, and Bert (Lugene) Young; sisters-in-law, Ann Stright-MacDonald and Joy Young. Mom’s legacy, of which she was so proud, is her nine grandchildren, Derek (Amanda) MacDonald, Jeffrey MacDonald, Adeline (Scott) Hewey, Jonathan (Chrissy) Langford, Amos (Stephanie) Langford, Erin Langford, Katie (Ron) Melanson, Ben (Amy) Anderson and Colton (Amber) Anderson; and her sixteen great grand-children. She was predeceased by her husband, George; son, Norman; daughter, Anne; brothers, John and Alexander (Sandy) Young; her parents, Albert and Una Young, and other extended family members. The family would like to express their gratitude for the exceptional care Marjory received from the doctors and nurses in Palliative Care, and in the Veteran’s Wing at Sutherland-Harris Memorial Hospital. Family flowers only. In lieu, donations may be made in her memory to the Haliburton Cemetery or to a charity of choice. As per Mom’s wishes, there will be a private family burial by invitation only.