It is with very heavy hearts that we, the family of Veronica Frances "Francie" MacDonald, announce her peaceful passing on March 30, 2024, at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Daniel and Marcella O’Handley born on June 16, 1930, in Sydney Mines. Francie was the matriarch of our family who filled our lives with unconditional love and compassion.
From an early age, Francie worked from home, alongside her sister Reynelda, and at the Northside General Hospital as a talented seamstress. Each member of her family was graced with her talents as she sewed countless outfits adorned with her love. She raised her family in Sydney Mines and moved to Antigonish in the 1990’s. Francie lived a busy social life and was an active member of Club 60. She didn’t ever pass up the opportunity to travel and celebrate milestones with her loved ones.
Francie leaves behind her daughters Rita Murray, Yvonne Nugent (Michael) and Miriam Hill (Duane), as well as her sons, Dan (Deborah), Bob (Cindy) and Brian (Angela). She is also survived by her brother Allan O’Handley (Judy), sister-in-law Marie O’Handley, eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and several loving nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Francie was predeceased by her first husband, Garfield MacLean, second husband, Joseph MacDonald, daughter, Marcella in infancy, her siblings, Reynelda, Louise, Margaret, Catherine, Maya, Donald, Harold, son-in-law Brian Murray and special grandchild Jeffery Murray.
The family extends its sincere gratitude for the compassionate care Francie received from her at-home caregivers and the nursing staff of the Palliative Care Unit of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to C.L. Curry Funeral Home. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Ninian’s Cathedral on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In memory of Francie, donations can be made to Antigonish Food Bank or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.clcurry.com.