Obituary of Zena MacLeod

MacLEOD, Alexanderina Flora ‘Zena’ (MacKinnon) Scotsburn September 2nd, 1921 – November 25th, 2023. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to John MacKinnon OBE and his wife Mary MacKinnon (MacAuley). Educated at George Watson’s Ladies’ College in Edinburgh, at the outbreak of World War II Zena joined the war effort at Scottish Motor Traction. She then joined the Aeronautical Inspection Directorate (AID) where she inspected warplanes at Blackburn Aircraft, Dumbarton, Scotland. After the war Zena resumed her education at the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science and taught for two years in Edinburgh. In 1953 Zena came to Nova Scotia to teach Home Economics at the newly built high school in Sherbrooke. It was while teaching in Sherbrooke that she met her future husband, George Alexander MacLeod from Scotsburn, who was visiting his friends the Camerons. They were married in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1955, and returned to the MacLeod family farm (est. 1807) in Heathbell, Pictou County, where they ran a beef farm and raised their family. Zena continued her teaching career at West Pictou District High before spending her last 14 years at Westville High School. In retirement, she and George enjoyed traveling, their life on the farm and in their community. A great believer in Highland hospitality, many delicious meals were enjoyed at their table by family, friends, farm helpers, and anyone else who stopped by. Zena was predeceased by her husband, George; infant daughter, Mary; sisters, Jean (Raymond Booth), Barbara (Fred Eldridge) and brother, Dr. Charles MacKinnon (Lorna). She is survived by her daughter, Flora; son, Alex (Suzanne); grandchildren, Pascale (David), Marco and great-granddaughter, Simone. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 1st, at 11:00AM at the Scotsburn United Church with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity and Rev. Jim Webber-Cook officiating. Burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery.