Donna Maria O'Leary

Born in Sydney on the 30th of March, 1939. She was the daughter of the late James Vincent and Marguerite (Murphy) Pistone, both of Sydney. She spent her school age years in Antigonish, where she attended the Mount Saint Bernard Academy. She received a Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry from St. Francis Xavier University in 1959 and a Diploma of Pharmacy from Dalhousie University in 1961. She remained a proud alumna of both universities and continued to contribute to each throughout her life. She enjoyed a productive career at the Halifax Infirmary/Camp Hill Medical Centre where she worked as a staff pharmacist from 1961-66 and then assistant director of pharmacy from 1966 until her retirement in 1992. During this period she held numerous positions in professional associations, including President of the Nova Scotia Pharmaceutical Society and Vice President of the Canadian Pharmaceutical Association, and she received a number of awards for her practice of pharmacy and meritorious service. She enjoyed her work and made lifelong friendships with many of her pharmacy colleagues.

After retirement, Donna continued to contribute to her profession as a part time tutor for first year pharmacy students at Dalhousie University. She also enjoyed aquacise (followed by coffee and pastries) with “the girls”, gardening, travel, boating, and other outdoor activities. She spent many joyous days with family and good friends in Halifax, at the cottage on Molega Lake, and at Pierpoint in Florida. So many have happy memories of their time spent with her.

Donna will be lovingly remembered by her husband, David, their sons Shaun (Cheryl Teed) and their son Ryan, and Stephen (Marie-Claire Lauzon) and their son Thomas. She was predeceased by her brother, Darryl Pistone.

All who knew Donna recognized that she was as an example of extraordinary faith, kindness, wit, and generosity. She met every day with grace and unbreakable inner strength.

Funeral service will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna’s memory can be made to Parkinson Canada or the Parkinson’s Society of Nova Scotia.