Pearl MacDonald

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Pearl MacDonald who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Pearl was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Pearl knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Pearl was born on September 17, 1915 at home in Pool's Cove, Fortune Bay, Newfoundland. Her parents were Frank and Selina Williams. Even as a youngster, Pearl learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Pearl was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Pearl was raised with six. She had older brother Vincent, four younger brothers Arthur, Archie, Fred and Irwin. She also has one younger sister Emily. Pearl had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Pearl, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

      Pearl was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Pearl was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Pearl came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were her sister Emily, Rena Williams and Ethel. Later in life she became friends with Margie Blue, Catherine and Micki Dawson, Carrie Roach, Jessie and Jim O'Keefe, Judy MacMullin, Irvine and Jessie Williams.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Pearl reveled in the security of her family. One of Pearl’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

      Pearl was blessed with one child, her daughter Shoshanah. She was deeply concerned for her development as she grew up, maintaining a firm hand in her upbringing. Pearl would give her stamp of approval to her requests as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that Shoshannah was properly raised. Pearl was also blessed with two grandsons, Jayson and Matthew as well as a great grand daughter Angelica.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Pearl was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Pearl was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Pearl upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was housewife and mother. She was employed at Jays Restaurant for 6 years, People's Store restaurant 2 years and Miner's Village Restaurant 5 years. Pearl was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Pearl approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuit was knitting. Pearl was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Being generous with her time and energy, Pearl liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset.

      A civic-minded person, Pearl was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, Pearl was Progressive Conservative. During these years, Pearl applied her analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      Faith was important to Pearl. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member Knox United Church for 82 years. During that time, she was involved with U.C.W. and recorded the minutes at meetings. She also served on committees for teas and social gatherings.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Pearl used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Pearl had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included going back to visit her home in Pool's Cove. She also visited her brother Fred in Picton, Ontario and relatives in Boston.

      When Pearl’s retirement finally arrived in 1980, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement she found new pleasure in knitting. In many ways Pearl loved retirement. It should be recorded, where she dedicated herself to looking after her sick husband who became bed ridden and was faithfully by his side until his passing on January 1, 1995.

      Pearl passed away on November 29, 2015 at Elk Court Care Facility, Brookfield, NS. She went as a result of old age. She is survived by daughter Shoshanah, grandsons Jayson and Matthew, great grand daughter Angelica. Services were held at Patten Funeral Home, Glace Bay, NS. Pearl was laid to rest in Forest Haven Cemetery, Sydney- GlaceBay Highway, NS.

      All who knew her would agree that Pearl was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Pearl MacDonald did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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On November 29, 2015 Pearl MacDonald aged 100 passed away peacefully at Elk Court Care Facility in Brookfield, NS with her daughter by her side.

Pearl is predeceased by her parents Frank and Selina Williams, husband David Drummond, 5 brothers Vincent, Arthur, Archie, Fred and Irvin and one sister Emily Arbuckle. She is survived by one daughter Shoshanah Narine and 2 grandsons Jason (Evangeline) and their daughter Angelica and Matthew (Cienne), she is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she treasured dearly.

Pearl was born in Pool’s Cove, NL and settled in Glace Bay when she was 18. She worked for the Nicholson family and was treated very well. She then met and married Drummie, her husband of 55 years. Hard work was no stranger to Pearl but her favorite pastime was knitting. Many hands and feet were kept toasty warm. Her beautiful afghans were the talk of the family. Pearl had a sharp mind and knew the family history oh so well. She was deeply loved and will be sadly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Patten Funeral Home with Rev. Ralph Johnston officiating. Interment to follow in Forest Haven Cemetery. Stories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com