Whitney Pier
It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of our dear Donna (Colford) MacNeil on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born on March 23, 1962, in Sydney, Donna was a life-long resident of Whitney Pier and was the daughter of Leon and Dola Colford.
Donna was a loving daughter, a kind sister, and a devoted mother. She will be remembered by her warm smile, friendly personality and as a generous soul by all who knew her. In her younger years, Donna held several jobs in sales but was best known as a DJ in the community at weddings and celebrations. Most of all, Donna will be remembered for her resilience throughout the many challenges life threw her way.
Donna is survived by her pride and joy, her two sons, Zachary (Michelle) and Corey (Kristen); granddaughter, Zoe, with whom she shared a very special relationship, and her parents, Leon and Dola Colford. Donna will also be dearly missed by her siblings, Ronnie (Lisa), Brian, Kevin (Cheryl), Glen, Janice (David) MacKillop, Peter (Harman), and Bruce (Alyson); as well as her many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and her best friend, Lynn ‘Wee Wee’ Sparkes. She will also be missed by the MacNeil, Morrison, Roston, and Corbett families.
Donna was predeceased by her husband, Alvin MacNeil.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Intensive Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their care of Donna in her time of need.
Visitation for the late Donna MacNeil will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier, with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations in memory of Donna may be made to the Whitney Pier Rink.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Leon, Dola & family, sincere condolences on your loss.
From: Sheri Hanna
To the entire Colford family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Jackie, Bruce and Victoria Matthews.
Family & friends, please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. I’ve known Donna for many years, as teens hanging around Kennedy’s dairy, Polar Bear beach, and we worked together for a short time in the hair cutting business. Hugs and prayers to all, may she RIP.
From: Anne Sullivan
Condolences to Leon, Dola and the entire Colford / MacNeil Family!
From: Bob & April Moore
I’m so sorry to read about Donna’s passing. I remember her from our younger years & she was so sweet & friendly to everyone she crossed paths with. Sending heartfelt condolences to all Donna’s family & friends.
From: Patsy (Hartigan) MacDonald
So very sorry to hear the news of Donna’s passing. My thoughts are it’s the family at this difficult time.
From: Colleen Cameron
Sending Sincere Heartfelt Condolences on the passing of Donna . She will be missed by us all who knew and loved her . RIP my Friend
From: Carol A Boutilier
So very sorry for your loss.
From: Debbie Colford
So very sorry for your heartbreaking loss.I will pray for strength for all of you.God sees every tear!
From: Brenda Tomie
My deepest sympathy, to all the family an friends. I knew Donna in our younger years, may she rest in peace.
From: Cathy Agnew (Hawco)
So sorry to hear of Donna,s passing,condolences to all her family and friends.May She Rest In Peace.
bajanqueen0707@gmail.com
My condolences
To both the Colford and MacNeil families please accept our sincere condolences. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers! 🙏
I’m so sorry for your huge loss of Donna. My husband Ron and myself have known Donna since we were kids growing up in the pier. My deepest condolences to the family and friends. Rest in Peace my friend. You are forever loved and sadly missed. Fly high Donna. You have golden wings now. 🙏💔🙏💔🙏💔
So very shocked and saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. I worked with Donna many years ago and had many laughs with her. Sincere condolences to all her family, but especially her sons.
My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to all family members and friends.
Our deepest condolences to Leon & Dola & family.
My condolences to the Colford family on their loss .
Very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
Larry and Sandra Hrynick
So sorry to hear of her passing. As a coworker or Bruce’s I hear so many wonderful stories of his parents and siblings. Sending you all love and hugs
So sorry to hear of Donna passing my condolences to Zachary and Cory and to her Mom & Dad and her sister & brothers.
To the Colford family. So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. Judy Maclean- MACDONALD
My condolences to Donna’s children, grandchild, her parents, brothers and sister and their families and to her many friends.
May she rest in peace.
Leon, Dola & the entire Colford & MacNeil families:
We are so very sorry for tremendous loss. Donna had a smile that could light up our neighborhood and her presence will be greatly missed. Sending you our sincere condolences. May God be with you at this very difficult time.
RIP Donna🩷
I am so sorry to hear about Donna. Sending my condolences to all of her family at this most difficult time.
Condolences to Donna’s family and friends. May she rest in peace .
Our deepest condolences to the families on this tragic passing.
Richard and Kim Primmer (and family).
Sending our sincere condolences to the family. Donna was such a lovely, beautiful lady, so friendly and very personable. Please know that we are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers. Gone too soon.
Janice and family:
Our sincere sympathy to you and your entire family at this difficult time. Kind thoughts and prayers being offered.
Dave and Mary
Saddened by your loss; sincere condolences to Leon, Dola and family. R.I.P. Donna.
We are so sorry for your loss. Donna was a special person who was so strong and caring.I know she had a love of her boys, granddaughter and family. May all your good memories of her help to bring you some comfort during this difficult time. I am sorry we will not be able to come to Donna’s funeral but please know we will be there in our thoughts and prayers. Please also know we are here if there is anything we can do.🙏💐
Leon, Dola and Family: Sending our sincerest condolences at this most difficult time. May beautiful memories help to bring comfort and strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My deepest condolences to all of the Colford family and to her two boys. Donna was a gentle beautiful soul who was always there for others and her community. May she rest in peace.
Our condolences to your family. Another angel in heaven. Lillian Hawco Corbett and family.
Deepest Sympathy💔 to all Family & Friends.
She was always so pleasant when I knew her many years ago.
She will be missed.
A.F.F.A.
Doddy
My condolences to all the family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Deepest condolences to the family and friends on your loss.
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was such a wonderful person.
Janice and family, our sincere condolences in the loss of your beautiful sister, Mom, and daughter. May your beautiful memories help you all at this most difficult time.
Sincerely, Anne and Howie MacIntyre
Our condolences remember Donna and Alvin from our Wedding
Walter and Elva
Leon, Dola and family, our deepest condolences on the he loss of Donna. She, like the rest of your family was a very kind and friendly person. She’ll be missed by all who knew her.
Janice/Dave , Peter/ Harman and all of your families- we are sending our love and prayers to wrap around you as you grieve the loss of your sister. Our sincerest condolences- Lisa, & Chris MacDonald and the boys.
So very sorry to learn of Donna ‘s passing . I remember our days on Manse living across the street from the Colford family …lots of fond memories .Donna and our son Bradley were roughly a month apart in age . May all your fond memories help you all through this difficult time .
Leon, Dola and family,
My heart goes out to you all! I’m so sorry for your loss. RIP Donna
Janice and the Colford and MacNeil families, I’m thinking of your family with love and prayers. I went to school with Donna and bumped into her numerous times over the years. She always had a ready smile and a hug for me. Such a gentle soul. May you all find comfort in shared memories.
Condolences Leon and Dola and families on Donna’s passing. I chatted with her at the legion not long ago. She always had a beautiful smile when we met. RIP Donna.
Janice and family, i am so sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻❤️
Dear Colford and MacNeil Family:
I am sadden to hear of Donna’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that God keeps you all in his guiding light to help you through this very difficult time. Donna will be greatly missed. May she eternally RIP.
Leon, Dolan and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Bob and Linda Fortier
My condolences to Donna’s family. She always had such a happy personality no matter what was happening in her life. 💓 May she Rest In Peace.
Corey and Family, Billy, and I are very saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. She thought the world of her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am sorry to hear of Donna,s passing. My condolences to her children and all the Colford family. My thought and prayers are with you all.
Sending love and light to the Colford and MacNeil families and friends to help guide you thru the sudden and unexpected passing of a mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend
May you forever rest peacefully Donna
God Bless🙏
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Donna. She was always so friendly and smiling. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Zach & Corey and family my deepest condolences so sorry for your loss
Sending my condolences to Donna’s entire family. So sorry for your loss
So sorry to read this sad news. I have many wonderful memories of Donna growing up on Manse St. Donna had a huge heart and an even bigger smile. I hope God gives you all the strength you all need to get through the difficult days ahead 🙏
So Sorry for your loss, My deepest condolences to her children and all the Colford family. My thought and prayers are with you all.
The Colford’s were a huge part of my life growing up. We spent many days and nights in Donna’s pool and home. Manse St was shared with love and laughter… usually at my expense by the Colford brothers.
There is a huge void in the pier today.
Janice, Leon, Dola, and boys have lost a significant part of their family. I’m so grateful they shared Donna with me for so long.
To my Colford and MacNeil families, sending lots of love and prayers. ❤️🙏
Grief is a journey, but death is heartbreaking. Xoxo
So sorry to hear this sad news. Donna was always so sweet. I hope all the great memories you have will help you through this difficult time. My prayers are with you all.
She was such a wonderful person, and we’re all going to miss her so much. Love you, Aunt Donna!
if there is one thing i am sure of is she is with Alvin,and are listening to music and talking about all the wonderful times as a family thay have to be gratefull for, Cory and Zack you were her world and she so loved you and her granddaughter,Donna was a beautiful woman,quick to help anyone and loved with all her heart, Her family was everything to her ,she was a special friend and she was family ,will miss you my love ,rest easy and hug Alvin for me ,love you always
Janice, Dave, Family and extended family: Sending our sincerest condolences during this most difficult time. May all your wonderful memories help to bring you comfort and strength. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dola, Leon and family,
Sending our heartfelt condolences. Thinking of you all,
Celeste and Buzz Smith
I was so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. My sincere condolences to the Colford and MacNeil families.
So sorry for your loss, we just loved Donna, she will be missed ❤️ thinking of you all xo
Even though its been many years since Ive see you, I was still shocked to see you had passed.
During Jr. High and High School, Donna was a great friend. Her, myself, Amy, Gina, all hung around. She was a a great girl, whom I am sure willl be missed my many. RIP Donna
Dola and Leon, Zach and Cory and all families, please except our deepest condolences on Donnas passing. So very shocked to hear this sad news. Donna and I being neighbours and school mates forever, still picked up where we left off whenever we would meet.
Best times and laughs as polka partners at the Holy Redeemer dances. Our boys went to school together as well and were great buddies. Lots of great childhood memories to reflect on. Donna was genuinely kind to all. May she rest in peace. ❤️
To the entire Colford family and Donna and her two sons please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of your loved one Our Thoughts and Prayers Are with you at this difficult time. RIP Donna
So very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathies to her children and grandchild; the Colford and MacNeil families and all of her close friends and relatives. Rest in peace.
So sorry to hear. My condolences to the family
Condolences for your loss. Donna was one of the smartest students at Patrick’s Beauty Salon. She was well liked by everyone patrick iannetti
So very sorry for the Loss Donna she was always very friendly gal ‼️💔‼️🙏
So sorry for your family’s great loss. Sending prayers and strength to all at this difficult time. Rest in peace Donna.
My condolences to the family. Donna will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Peter, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your sister, Donna. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Dola and Leon, I am so sorry about Donna. Sending my deepest condolences to you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We were saddened to hear of Donna’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sincerely,
Donnie + Genevieve Richardson
Peter so sorry to ready of the passing of your sister. Brendon and I will keep you and your in our prayers.
I’m very sorry to read of your sister’s passing Peter & Bruce. Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time ♥️
To the entire Colford and MacNeil Families , our condolences on your loss .
To the Colford family, so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Sending my sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to the family and friends..keeping you in thought and prayers ❤️🙏
To Leon,Dola,Zachary,Corey,and the Colford and MacNeil families we are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing.I remember Donna from growing up in the Pier and from many dances Brenda and I attended when she was the DJ.She was such a sweet and friendly person.We would always have a chat whenever we ran into each other years later.A real Pier girl:).
Sincere condolences for your loss. I hope fond memories help you at this difficult time. Jason MacAskill
To Bruce and Family we send our sincere and heartfelt condolences.
Gail and Mickey Gouthro
Sincere sympathy to Cory and Zack, Dola and Leon and the Colford siblings for this profound loss. I had a wonderful friendship with my beautiful cousin whom I will miss greatly. She was interested in your family, your job, your health, and was such a giving woman. Condolences Dianne Colford MacAskill
Condolences to the Colford family on the loss of your daughter and sister. May she rest in eternal peace,
My sincere condolences to the Colford and MacNeil families on Donna’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.