Evelyn Carruthers (MacDonald) Sampson

Evelyn (Carruthers MacDonald) Sampson                                                   

Evelyn (Carruthers MacDonald) Sampson of Beech Street, North Sydney, passed away suddenly on Monday, June 14, 2021 at her home.  Evelyn was born on July 12,1941 to former Glace Bay Mayor Dan Alex MacDonald and Sarah (Sally) Carruthers Beattie MacDonald. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 60 years Gordon Sampson, daughter Anita Sampson Binder, sons Mark Sampson and Carl Sampson, grandson Daniel Michael Harris-Sampson, siblings Fr. Stanley MacDonald, Chaplain, St. Francis Xavier University, Dennis MacDonald, and Carol Gatchalian. She was predeceased by siblings Mary MacEachern, Effie Turner, Audrey Morse, Marilyn Ferguson, Eric (Skit), Brenton, Blaise, Sean, and infant Thomas.

Evelyn attended Saint Anne's School, Xavier Junior College, The Maritime School of Social Work and Dalhousie University, and was a Registered (MSW) Social Worker, Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers. She worked at F. W. Woolworth Co. in Glace Bay and Sept-Iles, (Sydney) Children's Aid Society, Northside Homemakers, and Northside Community Guest Home as Activity Director. She became Executive Director of City Homemakers Service Society in Sydney, and in 1991 by an Order in Council, she was appointed a member of the provincial Home Care Advisory Committee by Guy J. LeBlanc, Minister of Community Services. She retired in 2000.

Evelyn was active in St. Joseph’s Parish as Lector, Eucharistic Minister and Chair of the Parish Council. She was a Rector of the Cursillo Movement and Member of the Social Justice Committee (Antigonish Diocese). Evelyn volunteered at the Northside General Hospital and the Christmas Cheer Committee for all churches on the Northside, was Board Member of the Miner's Museum representing North Sydney with her father, former Mayor Dan Alex MacDonald, was Board Member, Northside Board of Family Service of Eastern Nova Scotia, and Chair, Home & School Association, Point Edward when she lived with her family at the Canadian Coast Guard College.

Evelyn saw the best in people. She loved and appreciated her Cape Breton community. She was a strong manager and a true social worker and counsellor who always had great empathy and a listening ear for those who needed her help and support. She was a leader for change who worked tirelessly and spoke out eloquently to advance social justice, standing up for important issues that needed a voice. She was a brilliant chef and host who loved to nourish her family and friends in every possible way. She enjoyed music, dancing and laughter, and she had a beautiful smile and a lovely singing voice. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

According to Evelyn's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney with Rev. Jake Andrea officiating and under the direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Association for the Mentally Challenged or the charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.

Acts of kindness are encouraged and appreciated.

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