Donalda Henrietta MacKay

Donalda Henrietta MacKay May 26, 1942 – August 30, 2026 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Donalda Henrietta MacKay. At age 84, she passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026 at Shoreham Village in Chester. Donalda was born on May 26,1942, in Great Village, to the late Harold Morris and Greta Nelson. Although she lived in various places over the years, Great Village always held a special place in her heart. In more recent years, many drives were taken down Taggart Road to view the old farmhouse and she would share childhood memories. At age 18, she met and married Dale MacKay and started a family together shortly after; living in Debert and Toronto for a short period before settling in Crowe's Mills. Most important in life to Donalda, was her family, whom she loved immensely. They all express heartfelt gratitude to have had such a caring, generous and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and role model, who provided unwavering support. Always a hard worker, her first jobs were at Merle's grocery store and Gib Hattons Snack and Taxi Stand, both in Springhill. At a young age, Donalda left home to work at the Sunnyside Restaurant in Bedford, and later spent a number of years working at MT&T in Truro and Debert, as a telephone operator and at the MT&T apparatus shop in Dartmouth. Eventually she began her career with the Department of Community Services, first in Truro, then Bridgewater. Donalda loved her job as an Employment Support Worker, assisting individuals in reaching their full potential through access to education and training. She was a very caring and compassionate person and she was great at her job. Donalda had great compassion and understanding for the women and men she supported throughout her career. Survived by children Paula, Hantsport; Natalie, Lower LaHave and Greg (Heather), Lower Onslow; grandchildren, Marcia Atkins (Cody), Maitland Bridge, Hugh (Jenna), Lower Onslow and Heidi (Kohl), Lower Onslow; great granddaughters Harper and Elsie Atkins as well as many nieces and nephews, including Lorraine Finnerty (Kevin), Toronto, Jim (Margie), Great Village, Bill (Wendy), Amherst and Mary Adshade, Debert. Along with her parents, Donalda was predeceased by her son Dean MacKay and sister Eudora Adshade. In keeping with Donalda’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 25 at the Peg in Masstown, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Please join us in celebrating Donalda. If so desired, donations in Donalda's memory to SHAID Tree Animal Shelter or charity of choice, are welcomed. Cremation has taken place by Harbourside Crematorium.

Donalda Henrietta MacKay

May 26, 1942 - August 30, 2026