Barbara Elizabeth (Battiste) McDonald

Barbara McDonald

North Sydney/Dartmouth

It is with deep sadness that the family announce the peaceful passing of Barbara Elizabeth McDonald, age 94, dear mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, on Sunday February 23, 2020 at her home in Dartmouth N.S. 

Born February 3, 1926 in Chanel, Newfoundland, Barbara was the daughter of the late George and Rebecca Jane Battiste. Barbara is survived by daughters Jane (Robert) Black, Dartmouth NS, Brenda (Arnold) Sparkes, Halifax NS. Grandchildren Jane (Dave) Wood, Pembroke ON, Rebecca (Teesha) Wheaton-Sparkes, Petawawa ON, Michael Black, Toronto ON, Dominique Gravel, Finland. Great-grandchildren Väinö, Ahti and Mielikki, Finland. Special niece and nephew, Faye and Fred Foote, Sackville NS, her lifelong friend Vera Ings, North Sydney, her special fur baby, Olivia, and many other nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her husband Kenneth McDonald, sisters, Florence and Georgie, and brother, Eric. 

Although Barbara did not work outside the home, she was an extremely busy lady. Not one to sit idle, she would always find something to do around her home on Park Street in North Sydney: cooking, baking, laundry, cleaning the silver – her home was her pride and joy; everyone was welcome.

Barbara loved her family and friends. She did weekly visits to the sick and elderly in the Northside Guest Home, usually bringing them a home-baked treat. Barbara was known for her cooking and baking; she made the best cup of tea. While she baked year-round, her favorite time was Christmas, when she would bake puddings, cakes and rolls to give to the special people in her life. Her giving nature spanned her entire life – her last baking spree (9 cakes!) was Summer 2019 to ensure that everyone got their cakes at Christmas. 

While Barbara had a sharp tongue and could be very outspoken, everyone loved her because of her kindness, loyalty, humour and down-to-earth nature – she always put others before herself. Barbara will be lovingly remembered with her memory bringing smiles to the faces of all who knew her. As the last surviving member of her immediately family, Barbara was the beloved Matriarch of her family and she will be dearly missed.

The family would like to sincerely thank everyone who cared for Barbara: Dr. John Kirkpatrick and Debra, our special angel Laura, Dr. Mark Stender, Dr. Barbara Parish, Dr. Isabelle Delisle, the late Dr. Stephen Couban and the wonderful team in the haematology clinic at VGH. Finally, the dedicated and exceptional in-home care and support provided by the workers at Northwood Homecare and the VON allowed Jane and Bob to keep Barbara in her home until her passing.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home,107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney N.S. The service for Barbara will be held at a later date and burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney. Special thanks to Peter Walsh and Danny Campbell for bringing Mother home safely to her beloved North Sydney.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice, but Barbara would say just be kind to everyone. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com 

A special note: Mother, you were the best friend, role model and mother I could have ever asked for. You made me the woman I am today and I am honoured to be your daughter. May you rest peacefully beside Dad – you are reunited forever in Heaven. Love your daughter, Jane.

Mother is another word for love.

“Rest in Peace, My Princess”

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