Obituary of Leona Estella MacDonald

Leona Estella MacDonald was born in Hillsdale, NB, July 18, 1937. She was the daughter of the late Russell and Stella (Payne) Teakles and loving wife of 60 years to George MacDonald. She graduated from Sussex Composite High School in 1957 and was very active in functions with her classmates over the years. Leona was very pleased to have been a part of organizing their 60th Year Reunion this past year. Leona’s love for all things outdoors began at a young age. She grew up staying at lumber camps with her family in Hanford Brook during the winters and had wonderful memories from those simpler days of childhood. This love of the outdoors carried through to her adult years and Leona proved to be a very formidable woman Whether it was hunting partridge at Caines River, fishing, four wheeling or snowmobiling, she found herself very capable and very comfortable in the woods. In all truthfulness, Leona's passion for being in the open air came a close second in her favorite places to be. The first of course, was by her husband George's side. They were inseparable, each other's best friend. Family was the most important thing to Leona and she was the anchor that kept them all grounded, the glue that kept them all together. Leona and George wanted nothing more than to have a traditional upbringing for their children. There was always a home cooked meal on the table and she loved to bake and make pickles, preserves and jam. Christmas Eve's were spent all together as a family with music and singing and Leona insisted that Christmas dinner was always hosted at "mom and dad's". Other special family memories with children and grandchildren include camping trips to Fundy National Park, Bridgewater, NS and down to Maine and most especially, time spent at the "Old Homestead" in Hillsdale. Summers and Fall memories at the homestead were magical to many generations of George and Leona's family and corn boils and horseshoe tournaments in Hillsdale were plentiful. After her children had gone off to school, Leona began work in the appliance department of Sears where she stayed for 17 years, making many wonderful friendships along the way. She had been a member of the Sussex Art Club since 1990 and was in fact a very talented painter. She had a passion for impressionism painting and her artistic ability was shared with many. Her family received many beautiful gifts over the years and her art has become treasured pieces that adorn their walls. Leona was such an inspiration of strength and courage and showed us all how to live life to its fullest. Even though for over 6 years she lived with stage 4 cancer, she did not let it define who she was. She rearranged her chemo treatments and Doctor visits around moose season, deer season, camping trips to Fundy, family weddings and Christmas dinners. She was full of positive energy and this mind set gave her the strength to take steps forward each and every day. Leona never stopped seeing the bright side of things and remained grateful, gracious and so full of love. They will never make another like her. Leona's family want to acknowledge Dr. Sharon McCutcheon, the Oncology Department of the SJRH, the Nurses and Attendants at the Sussex Health Centre and everyone at the Sussex IV Day Clinic. The quality of care and love and support given to Leona and her family was absolutely immeasurable. Special thanks to each and everyone of you for your kindness and all that you gave. Mrs. Leona Estella MacDonald, passed away on February 5, 2017 at the Sussex Health Centre with her loving family by her side. Along with her husband George, Leona is also survived by her son Leonard MacDonald and his wife April of Ratter Corner; daughters: Lynda Lee McGivery and her husband Bob of Sussex, Georgie McGinnis and her husband Francis of Ratter Corner and Wendy Murray and her husband Jim of Picadilly; her grandchildren: Morley, Jay and Lexi MacDonald; Amanda McGivery (Chad) and Dr.Kyle McGivery (Robyn); Darren McGinnis (Heather), Bret McGinnis (Amanda) and Carter McGinnis (Samantha) and Mitchell Murray (Kayla), Cory Murray and Madison Murray; her great grandchildren Jacob and Rylee McGinnis and her long-time friend/nurse, Estelle Arbing. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Dorothy and her husband Walter Seeley and by her brother Russell Teakles. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1-3 and 6-8 pm. A service celebrating Leona's life will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from Wallace Community Chapel at 11:00 am. If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Sussex Health Centre - IV Day Clinic. To Join in on Leona's Celebration of Life, please copy this link into your address bar: https://livestream.com/accounts/12493326/events/6986668