Whitney Pier
Margaret M. Mac Donell, CND of Holy Redeemer Convent, died on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the palliative care unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Margie was born in Antigonish to the late Colin Francis Mac Donell and Ellen Mae Grant.
From the earliest years of her life, Margie was taught by her parents to be present to the older seniors in her neighborhood by visiting with them by helping them with whatever chores that they needed to have done such as hauling in water, fetching wood for the kitchen wood stove, and simply sitting down with them for a little chat.
Besides her parents, Margie was predeceased by her grandparents and brothers, Grant and Danny.
Margie is survived by her sister, Anne Hyde; sister-in-law, Aurelia; nieces, nephews and her cherished friends.
Education was always a priority in the family home. This thirst for education remained with Margie during her entire life. On August 15, 1963, Margie was professed as a member of the Congregation of Notre Dame. This event steered Margie, the future educator, to teach children and adult faith groups for over forty-five years, the vast percentage of these years in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Before moving to Alberta, Margie taught in schools on Mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.
We might ask the question what were the priorities in Margie’s life? These priorities would include a strong, living faith which was fostered in the family home, relationships, the intellectual development of students, the equality of all people, her cherished friends, and advocating justice for all people. Margie loved the outdoors – the mountains, the hiking trails (sometimes taking a dog along with her), and all the beauty that Alberta has to offer.
Margie was an avid reader all her life- yes, one could say: “There’s Margie with her book.” Margie always followed politics – global and provincial. She had a special interest in Canadian Politics. If one wondered about Canadian politics, who should be our choice for our next Prime Minister, she would give you an authoritative response. “We shall leave that response for you, the individual, to figure that out.”
During her years of teaching at Rocky Mountain Elementary School, Margie became increasingly aware of the bullying and acts of violence among students and even in families. There had to be a solution. Sisters Margie Mac Donell and Catherine Peters went to Florida to participate in courses in Peace Education. Here is a brief snapshot of the Peace Program which became a part of the curriculum of Rocky Mountain Elementary School. The following information was adapted from the book, These Hands by Dave Gunning and George Canyon. “Hands are not for hitting. Hands are for helping. Hands are for playing and hands are for much more!”
In October 2023 Margie returned home to Cape Breton, residing at Holy Redeemer Convent, Sydney, Nova Scotia. We all enjoyed her resilient personality that enlivened our community and the lives of cancer patients. Margie’s battle with cancer developed in the late fall of 2024. When Margie was asked how do you feel about your cancer. Her reply was: “It is what it is.” Margie was asked if she had a message for her family. This is her response “Keep in touch.” Never did Margie allow her cancer to put extra burdens on others. Margie was admitted to the hospital in early February 2025 and died on February 22, 2025.
We will always miss you, Margie, at the same time, we shall remember the consoling words of Evelyn Loughlin, a Scottish Lady from Innisfail, Alberta, “Our beloved dead are with God and God is very near.”
There will be no visitation for the late Margaret Mac Donell, CND. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. A reception will follow at the Pier Community Funeral Home. Private interment will take place at a later date.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website. Click Here: Face Book at Holy Redeemer
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
You’re going to be very sadly missed
From: Susan Brun
To all of Sister Margie’s family and her CND family: My sincere condolences of her passing. Margie and I were good friends when we met in boarding school in Mabou. We were only in touch a few times over the years but connected when she returned to Cape Breton. We were unable to get together as planned but we had a great conversation and it was like old times. Margie was always full of life and a great sense of humor. The world is a better place because of all the wonderful things she has done. Although I feel sad I know she is now enjoying her reward in heaven. Rest in peace Margie. I love you. God Bless. Mary
I met Margie while in hospital her last week She was in the bed beside my mom. She was a very special person and we loved her from the moment my sister and I met her. We will always remember her kindness and zest for life
My heartfelt condolences to family and those close to sister Margie. I appreciated how she always asked about my son whom she briefly met in his early school life yet genuinely cared about how his life was going. She shon the light of Christ into many dark places with such love and humility. She clearly loved God and was a living testimony to the strength and joy that comes through walking in his ways. Rest in splendour dear Margie. Thank you🩷
Your impact as teacher and counsellor at Rocky Elementary is immeasurable. You will be lovingly remembered by all your students. As a staff member I am so thankful to have worked with you. I learnt so much from you! Condolences to all who knew Sister Margie.
Sister Margie was a great friend and support to our family on many occasions. Heartfelt condolences to family and friends. We will miss her dearly.
What a wonderful lady! She sure helped to make the people of our country much better because she shared in their lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
St Margie was such a big part of the community in Rocky Mountain House. As a former staff member at ERE I was fortunate to share in conversations with her. She truly cared about the children and promoting Peace. I loved her sense of humour and laughter. She has touched so many lives. Her kindness will be missed.
Sincere condolences to the CND Sisters, family and friends on their loss of Margaret MacDonell, CND. Margie was always so welcoming whenever the Associates visited Holy Redeemer Convent. She is enjoying that peace we all hope to experience someday.
Deepest condolences CND Associates