56, Sydney
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of our wife, mother, and grandmother, Darlene Cavell (Pyke) MacDonald, 56, of Sydney, N.S. Our ‘Mama Bear’ passed away at home Oct. 8, 2011, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. ‘Mama Bear’ can rest peacefully knowing she died in the arms of her loved ones.
Darlene was born Aug. 27, 1955, and raised in Sydney, N.S. She was the beloved daughter of Sarah Pyke and the late Alvin Pyke.
Darlene was a devout life member of the Salvation Army Church. In her early years she was active in Timbrels, Songsters, Sunday School and Youth Group. She graduated from Holy Angels High School and subsequently completed the certificate for the Steno Program. For 34 years, she was a dedicated employee of both St. Rita’s Hospital and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital as a ward clerk and later as a staffing clerk. Darlene was an active member in the CUPE union and was very proud of her role as shop steward.
Darlene is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, John MacDonald, Sydney, N.S. She is also survived by, and will be lovingly remembered by her two children, Diane MacDonald, Dartmouth, N.S., and Ryan MacDonald, Sydney, N.S. ‘Nanny’ will be forever cherished by her only granddaughter, Madison Vanderlinden, Dartmouth, N.S. Darlene is also survived and will be sadly missed by her sisters, Valery Penny (Donald), Dartmouth, N.S., and Marsha Walker (Gordon), Calgary, Alta.; and brothers, David Pyke (Joanne), Sydney, N.S., and Blenos Pyke (Gina), Sydney, N.S. Aunt ‘Dar’ is also survived by several nieces and nephews and numerous aunts and uncles.
Darlene was predeceased by a sister, Linda, in infancy.
Visitation for the late Darlene MacDonald will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd, Sydney, on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to celebrate the life of Darlene MacDonald will be held Thursday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m. in The Salvation Army Sydney Community Church, 55 Inglis St., Sydney, with Major Daniel Roode officiating.
Memorial donations in memory of Darlene may be made to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
‘We take great comfort knowing that Darlene is now in peace and walking with the Lord.’
