Sydney
November 4, 2024
After three days of peaceful sleep, surrounded by family sharing stories about her, Rita Marie MacDonald Campbell departed our world at the age of 88 after a short illness, cared for until the end by the wonderful team at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit.
Born in Sydney’s North End in 1936, Marie was the third child of Tom Roach and Peggy (nee MacNeil). Marie is survived by her siblings, Tom, Jr. (Iris, Antigonish), Elma (Sydney), and Mary (Sydney). Marie was predeceased by her sister, Betty (and brother-in-law, Donald, Chester). Marie is also now reunited with many other brothers- and sisters-in-law that passed before her.
Marie is survived by her husband of 24 years, John C. Campbell; and was predeceased by her first husband of 32 years, John Bryden MacDonald (d. 1989). Marie had five children with Bryden and became stepmother to John’s six children.
Marie’s children are Bryden, Jr. (Halifax), Marilyn (Chuck, Sydney), Maureen (Sydney), Allan (Dawn, Dartmouth), and Lorne (Sung Sik, Burnaby). Marie’s stepchildren are Colin (Adrienne, Toronto), Peter (Emily, Burlington), Paul (Toronto), Clare (Gordie, Howie Centre), Ian (Lorna, Sydney), and Ann (Glen, Sydney).
Marie had 21 grandchildren: Andrew, Bronwyn, Bryden, Callum, Catherine, Ciaran, Colin, Heather, Jenny, Jessie, John, Katelyn, Kathleen, Lee, Liam, Maria, Moriah, Maeve, Meghan, Nora and Sarah; and six great-grandchildren: Anna, Charlotte, Emma, Lauren, Lily and Madelyn. A visit from any one of the above brought joy to her heart.
Valedictorian of her graduating class at Holy Angels in 1953, Marie went on to graduate with a nursing degree from St. Joseph’s in Glace Bay in 1957. Years later, returning to school when her children were older, Marie earned a BA from St. FX in 1979. Additional training at the Nova Scotia Hospital in Dartmouth led to a rewarding career as a mental health nurse with Child and Adolescent Services.
Marie’s hobbies and interests were numerous. She loved bridge but loved Scrabble even more. A ruthless gladiator on the Scrabble board, a field of battle upon which she took no prisoners, Marie’s Scrabble IQ did irk and vex any foe. At frightened opponents she would hurl a suspicious-looking verb and dare them to challenge her. Upon disposing of her victims, she would cool down with a crossword puzzle.
Marie was also a voracious reader of novels and biographies (and the Scrabble dictionary) over the course of her always evolving life. She was a passionate collector of art by local artists and a painter herself of watercolors and oil. As her friends and family will attest, blank space on the walls of her home was hard to find. In recent years, Marie and John C. called Parkland home and they enjoyed very much the many activities with their community of friends there.
From dancing with John Bryden to skating with John C., Marie loved to get out and socialize. Socializing at home was equally important. To Marie, three was a crowd but four was a game of charades. With both Bryden and John, there was travel, concerts and laughter. Marie was also a connoisseur of wine, both fine wine and cheap wine, plus the occasional shot of Bailey’s when the mood struck.
Marie was a loyal supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada as well as the New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic, which she kept close to heart since its beginnings forty years ago. She was also a devout Catholic and past president of the CWL. Marie’s children ask that in lieu of flowers, a gift be made to the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at Cape Breton Regional Hospital in honour of their compassionate end-of-life care.
Many thanks to Dr. Susan MacLeod for her attentive care over the past number of years. We would also like to thank Dr. Milne, Dr. Abboud, Dr. Poulos and the nursing staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Finally, thank you to the staff at Parkland for their kindness and care.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Marie MacDonald Campbell will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Friday, November 8, 2024. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 noon with the memorial service to follow at 12 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Marie’s name brings back so many happy memories of our BEC years: dances, Halloween pranks, post grad celebrations, and many fun-filled dinner parties. After The BEC years, our lives took different paths, but right up to present all our subsequent encounters ended with laughter. Marie would get that mischievous twinkle in her eye and share one of her (sometimes naughty) anecdotes or jokes. We were blessed to have known her.
Heartfelt condolences to all the members of her family who surrounded her with love. Her passing will leave a deep void in all your lives .
Rest easy sweet Marie From:Tom & Eleanor Murphy
My Dear John and All the Combined Family , We were so sorry to hear about Your loss of a wonderful lady . Marie was truly a wonderful person , kind , always pleasant and admired by All .
We send Condolences and Blessings to everyone during this difficult Time . Unfortunately We have another commitment so unable to attend the funeral but will be in Our Thoughts . Fondest Regards , Angus and Judy Gardner From: Judith Gardner
Deepest sympathies on Marie’s passing. Thinking of the MacDonald and Campbell families today as you celebrate her life.
John’s niece Mary (Jenkins) and Steve Runciman From: Mary and Steve Runciman
Dear John Colin and families, we are so very sorry to learn of Marie’s passing. She was a lovely Lady indeed! Our deepest condolences and prayers to all, Allan and Julia Townsend From: Julia Townsend
Dear MacDonald and Campbell Families, and John C.
Our deepest condolences to you all. Marie will be missed and remembered by all for her smile and great sense of humor. May God Bless her on her new journey and John rest assured of her peace.
MacDonald & Campbell Family
Our sincere condolences on the loss of a beautiful lady, your spouse, mom and grandmother. I worked with Marie for many years at Child & Adolescent Services where she was thought very highly of by staff & clients. We all loved her beautiful smile and engaging personality. Marie you will be missed. Hold all of your beautiful memories in your heart and she will live forever. ❤️. Fly high my friend, you certainly have earned your wings. 🪽. Love to you all at this very difficult time
Mary & Brian Myler
Dear Bryden, Allan, Lorne, Maureen, Marilyn and Mr Campbell: so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Mom and wife. Lots of remembered laughs with your Mom as she tried to keep Bryden and I in check in our early years. She did not succeed but God she tried. Sending you all love and hugs from Bill and I.
Sincerest Condolences to all who loved Marie. She was a vibrant lady who lit up a room with her presence. She and I first met in a psychology night class at Xavier. Years later we reaquainted through my close friendship with her daughter Marilyn. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this sad time. Rest in Peace Marie. 🙏
Dear Aunt Marie: I will always remember you smiling with glittering eyes, full of love and genuine interest in all that we had to say! My last visit with you and uncle John was in your new home, where you insisted we sit down for tea and taste your delicious tea biscuits, Cape Breton style. I will never forget that visit and the warmth you showed all of our family always! May God rest your soul and keep your beautiful family close, you will be missed❤️
with love and sympathy Asheville Campbells.
Rest in Peace Aunt Marie, we will miss you! Sorry for your loss, Bryden, Marilyn, Maureen, Allan and Lone.
Maureen, Marilyn and families,
I am so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. I always enjoyed chats with her when I lived in Sydney. Prayers for strength in the coming days.
Sincere Condolences MacDonald and Campbell familys may she rest in peace
Alma and Mary, MacDonald and Campbell Families.
Sorry to read of Marie’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
RIP Marie.
Stan and Estelle.
To John Colin, the MacDonald, Roach and Campbell Families.
My deepest sympathy to you all. I thought the world of Marie. She was a bright light that greeted you with her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. She is now resting in the arms of our Loving God whom she Loved, Prayed and worshipped. Rest in Peace Marie. I will never forget you.
Love and Blessings,
Audrey M. Brocklehurst
Dear MacDonald and Campbell Families,
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you.
We met Marie once or twice on our trips ‘down east’.
She was a lovely person and we are so glad we had the opportunity to meet her.
Please accept our sincere condolences, and may she rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to Bryden,Marilyn,Maureen,Allen,Loren,JohnC. Mary was a great lady, I sent 25 years Doing Marie’s hair and she would have so many story’s and jokes to tell she was my favourite customer and friend. RIP Marie
Condolences to macdonald and Campbell family Marie was a great friend
So very sorry to hear of Aunt Marie’s passing .our deepest condolences to the family I ‘m sorry I will be unable to attend her service but my thoughts and prayers will be with you all,sincerely Brenda , Tyler & Lawrence xoxo
My sincere condolances to John and both he and Marie’s families. Some times you meet a person with whom and instant bond and admiration is formed,that is who Marie is to all who were privileged to have know her. A truly kind lady with a big heart and radiant smile. Rest easy my friend .
Dear JC, Campbell Families & MacDonald Families,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your Wife, Stepmother, Mother, Grandmother, Sister & Friend.
May she Rest Peacefully. Thinking of you all during this sad time.
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Marie’ s family.
Marie was a wonderful woman who offered much support to Bryden as he pursued his passion of creating Canada’s premier high school
Basketball tournament. I often watched in wonder as Marie, Bryden and others joined the fabulous singsongs with Elmer Syms and Shauna Dolan at the Coal Bowl Hospitality Suite. Marie was a kind and outgoing person, I will miss seeing her at Coal Bowl.
Rest in Peace, Marie.
Lowell Cormier
To JC, Macdonald and Campbell families;
Sending strength and love as you navigate this great loss. The beautiful tribute to Marie certainly captured her essence. During many holiday meals spent together, we were the beneficiaries of her spirit and her genuine interest in others, and admired her love and pride for her family. We are grateful that she was able to leave this world as she lived, surrounded by love. Unfortunately we are out of town this week, but will keep you all in our hearts.
Janis, Peter, Abbey and Julia
Bryden and family, our sincerest condolences on your great loss. May your Mom rest in peace.
The Saule sisters, New Waterford
Marilyn ,Maureen and family,
I remember your mother well !
I send my deepest condolences to all of you on your loss.
May the memories you made over the years bring comfort in the days ahead.
Sincerely, Valerie Carrigan
John C., and all the family: We are saddened to read of Marie’s death. So familiar with her from church and CWL. She was always so happy and pleasant. May she rest in peace. Our sincere sympathy.
Hector and Olive Campbell
Maureen, Jenny, and family. We send our deepest condolences to you for your loss. Enjoy and cherish the wonderful memories you have shared over the years and know we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Lisa and David Tomko
To the Campbell and MacDonald families, sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim and Raymond Abbass
I want to express my deepest condolences to the Campbell, MacDonald and Roach families. Marie was a beautiful person with a heart of gold. Her presence has certainly touched so many lives throughout the years including my own. She will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing her. May God comfort you all during this sad time and may all of the beautiful memories carry you through in the days and weeks ahead. May she rest in peace.
On behalf of Anne Marie and myself I would like to offer condolences to John, Elma and all the members of the MacDonald and Campbell families. I first met Marie during the first year of BEC’s opening and was always impressed with the grace of this wonderful person. I was so pleased to see her a few short months ago following a concert at Harbourstone. I hope happy memories provide solace to all those who loved her. May she rest in peace.
Dear John & Family,
We extend our sincere sympathy on the passing of your beautiful Marie.
We were so fortunate to have met you & Marie many years ago. Marie was a fun dancing partner for Francis.
Fond memories.
Francis & Catherine Gillies
Port Hood
I spent a number of years living at at 44 Dodd St, right next door to the Roach family. A great group they were and I am saddened to hear of Marie’s death. Sympathies to all her relatives.
Sandy (Alex) Morrison
Our deepest sympathy to you, John Colin, and both families. Marie was such a loving, vibrant person and we enjoyed many fun times with her and John’s sister, Anne Martell. They will surely enjoy a joyful reunion. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time
John and Anne (LaRusic) MacDonald
My condolences to the MacDonald and Campbell families. Marie had a way of making everyone she came in contact with feel special.
We just learned of Marie,s passing and are so sad to loose her. We remember the many good times Steve and I had with Marie and Bryden when we lived on Kings Road. Marie had a wonderful, friendly personality and was always so pleasant to be with. RIP, my friend.