North Sydney
It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Nancy (Nicol) MacDonald, age 86, of the North Side Community Guest Home, formerly of Sydney.
Nancy was predeceased by her parents, Ray and Annabelle Nicol; sister, Beatrice (Trixie) MacDonald and as well as her husband, Meahan MacDonald.
Nancy is survived by her stepchildren, Marie Banfield of Dartmouth, Arthur MacDonald (Maureen) of Sydney River, Carol Ann MacDougall (Redmond), of Coxheath, Loraine Hodder (Morley) Of Falmouth and Louise Lumsden (Michael) of Sydney, and their families. She is also survived by three nieces and nephew, Christy Linders, Nicole MacDonald and Raymond MacDonald as well as their families.
Nancy had great faith attending mass regularly and leading a group at the nursing home in the Rosary each week.
Nancy was employed by the Cape Breton District School Board for 35 years.
Nancy loved her students. She began her teaching career in 1959, at Holy Redeemer Boys School, teaching Grade four and then Grade six. Nancy moved to teaching Special Education at Whitney School as well as Ashby Elementary and eventually becoming the supervisor of Special Education.
After 35 years in the teaching profession, Nancy retired in 1994, and that same summer married Meahan MacDonald, gaining five children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
There will be no visitation for the late Nancy MacDondald. Memorial service will be celebrated on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations in memory of Nancy may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
An angel lived among us,
A gift from God above.
She showered us
with kindness
And shared with us her love.
She cherished every moment
With the man who
was her life;
Walking hand in
hand together,
Facing life with all its strife.
She loved all children dearly,
Each one a different way,
Nestled close within
her heart.
Though, now, she’s far away.
She’s gone to live with Jesus.
But she’s here with
us today,
Smiling down on every one
of us,
And telling us she’s O.K.
Online Condolences
We extend our condolences to all family members on Nancy’s passing. Our friendship with Nancy, kindled at university, has lasted a lifetime. Education was her forte As a senior administrator, Nancy developed ground-breaking curriculum policies that changed the perspective of how the needs of Special Education students could be met for the Cape Breton District School Board. We hope the happy memories you have of Nancy will be of comfort to you in the days to come.
From: Shannon and Colin Campbell
I knew Nancy most of my life. She was my first brownie leader, a neighbour, a fellow teacher, a retired teacher and a fried through all those years! Nancy may you rest in peace; it’s well deserved.
From: Patricia MacDonald
My sincere condolences on the passing of Nancy to all her family and friends
We are so sorry to hear sad news , Her faith and love will continue on for all .
Mike and Debbie Hanrahan
I’m very sorry to learn of Nancy’s passing. She was a lovely human being with a kind heart and generous spirit. Regrettably, I’m out of the country and will not be able to attend the memorial service. My sincere condolences.
So sorry to read this news. Hope she didn’t suffer. I worked with Nancy at Central Office of the then Cape Breton District School Board. Nancy was such a kind person, and I always enjoyed her laugh. She shared some of her mother’s recipes which she was so proud of. So sorry I didn’t keep in touch with her. My condolences to all her family members.
Condolences on your loss Louise and family.🙏
Deepest condolences to all. Nancy always had an extra special place in my heart I called her my other mother ever since I worked for her family caring for her mom. Her love for family and friends was unconditional.
I Was so saddened to hear of Nancy’s passing. Nancy was a big part of my life growing up in Whitney Pier. She was very influential in me teaching Sepcial Education for several years.I will never forget being with Nancy at her home and seeing The Beatles for the very first time on the Ed Sullivan show. It was very exciting!
Rest in Peace Nancy.
Sincerest condolences to all. I had the pleasure of working with Nancy at the school board office many years ago. Nancy was a pure joy to be around and always showed genuine kindness to others.
So sorry to hear of Nancys passing. We are very happy she met Meagan and inherited such a wonderful family. We are in Europe and won’t be able to attend the funeral but our love and prayers go to all the family
So sorry to hear of Nancys passing. We were great neighbours and friends Rest in peace Love Ellen -Gallagher -McNamara
Carol Anne , Redmond and family. We were so saddened to hear of Nancy’s passing. Such a lovely lady . Always enjoyed seeing her. We will miss her smiling face at the home. Thinking of you all during this time of loss.
Deborah Yurchesyn and mother Marguerite Mac Dougall
So sorry to learn of Nancy’s passing, she was a great gal!
We are sorry to hear that Nancy has passed away and will miss seeing her at the Northside Guest Home. She was always so pleasant and had a smile on her face.
Please accept our sincere sympathy in your time of sorrow!
I just learned of Nancy’s passing. She was such a fine lady and a terrific teacher. May she rest in peace. My condolences on your loss.