Grand Mira North/Whitney Pier
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Alice (Murphy) MacDonald, 86, on Monday, June 20, 2016 at Miners Memorial Manor, Sydney Mines.
Born and raised in Whitney Pier, a community Alice was so proud of, she was the daughter of the late Jim and Alice (Walsh) Murphy.
Alice worked for many years at the MacGillivray Guest Home in Sydney. After her retirement, Alice continued to visit the residences of the home on a weekly basis. Alice was an avid skater throughout her entire life. She had been known to wear out a few pair of racer skates over the years.
In 1959, Alice married Allan V. MacDonald and together they raised their children in Salmon River.
There was never a day that would go by that mom did not have a fresh pan of biscuits on the table with a pot of tea on the stove. This always led to a wonderful conversation. Alice will be missed by all who knew her.
Alice is survived by her only daughter, Stella (Brad) Webber and seven sons, Paul (Heather), Colin (Coreen), Jamie (Wendy), Sandy, Ronnie (Lori), Robert and Michael (Suzanne). Grandma is also survived by 18 grandchildren, Alicia, Jared, Jessie, Michelle, Candace, Joshua, Ashley, Evan, Cara, Lauren, Liam, Jeremy, Jessica, Jillian, Jenna, Reid, Madeline and Ewan; two great-grandchildren, Brooklynn and Chloe; sister, Anne (Gordon) White; as well as several nieces and nephews with whom she adored.
Besides her parents, Alice was predeceased by her husband, Allan V., siblings, John Pat, Leo, Francis (Evelyn), Tommy (Joyce), Mary and by her special niece, Patricia MacDonald.
Visitation for the late Alice Mary MacDonald will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), on Friday, June 24, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier, with Alice’s nephew, Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the mass, light refreshments will be held in the funeral home reception area. Burial will take place in St. Margaret’s Cemetery, Grand Mira.
Donations in memory of Alice may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Breton – Whitney Pier.
The family would like to give a big thank you to the caregivers, VON and palliative care staff for the love and care given to Alice during her time of need.
Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Send an online condolence.
Online Condolences
Jamie, Wendy, & Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with you and your family. Anything you need, please say the word – our thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathy are with you all. Hugs and kisses – Joanne & Gordon
From: Tony & Georgina Bennett
Aunt Alice was one of my favorite Aunts. I looked forward to staying at her place every summer. My thoughts and prayers for everyone. Love, Helen MacPhee Rosnick
From: Joan MacLellan Walsh
So very sorry to hear of Alice's passing. She was a wonderful, caring person. I have many fond memories of Alice and she was always ready with a hug. I am traveling thru Quebec and Labrador and will not no able to make her service. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you deal with such a huge loss. Hugs!
From: Barbara (Lund) Corbett
From: Michelle & Kirby Barrington
Even though I saw Aunt Alice on our vacation to Cape Breton, she made us feel so comfortable like we saw her everyday !! Uncle Allan and Alice made the PA cousins feel so welcomed!!
From: Mary MacPhee Sherwood
Heather and Paul, Jared and Alicia, and all your extended family……We are thinking of you at this time. May special memories of your Mom bring some sunshine into your days. It is never an easy time but will be a family time to share all the lessons you have learned from Paul's Mom. Sorry we are so far away. Will see you when you are back. Love Laurie and Gwen and Family…Hugs!
Paul Heather and Family. We were sorry to here of your Mother'passing . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May the happy memories that you all share help to bring you peace and comfort.
From: Archie and Jean Fowlie
Dearest family of Alice MacDonald, It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of your loved one. I feel very fortunate that I was able to meet such a wonderful human being in the last few months of her life. She was a sweet caring and loving soul. I know that my father (Glen) has many wonderful memories of her and Allan from when he was a kid. I am so sorry for your loss, I know you will go on remembering what a wonderful person that she was in the days to come.
From: Alicia MacDonald
My sincere sympathy on the death of your mother.Alice was the sweetest lady ever , always with a smile and so very down to earth. My thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Alice.
From: Margaret MacDonnell