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.