Jacqueline "Jackie" Marie MacDonald

It is with deep love that we announce the passing of Jacqueline (Jackie) Marie (Graves) MacDonald on May 11, 2026. Jackie was born in Halifax on February 23, 1942, to the late John (Jack) and Mary Ellen (Helen) (O’Keefe) Graves. Mom’s faith, love of family, and care for others, was rooted in the foundation of her parents’ home.

In 1962, Jackie graduated from the Halifax Infirmary School of Nursing and immediately began her nursing career. At the same time, she also met a handsome Cape Bretoner, Maurice (Moe) MacDonald, who quickly won her heart, and they married on September 28, 1963.

Jackie and Moe settled in Fairview to raise their family, as Jackie began a long and successful career in the long-term care sector, which was her calling. In addition to holding numerous voluntary board and association positions over many years, Jackie worked in numerous leadership roles, eventually retiring as the Senior Director of Nursing at Northwood in 1998. Jackie and Moe were married for 59 years before Moe’s passing in 2022. They had many wonderful retirement years together, doing what they loved the most – spending time with their family, ocean vacations, golfing, and dancing together.

Jackie was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Helen, and by Moe’s parents, Shaun and Clare. She was also predeceased by her sister Colleen Zwaagstra and husband Jerry, brother Ted Graves, brothers-in-law Gerry MacDonald (Norma), Shaun (Tim) MacDonald, William (Bill) Marshall, sister-in-law Margaret (Marg) MacDonald and her husband Laurie, and special nieces Jennifer and Laura.

Jackie is survived by her son Shaun (Leanne), daughters Kim and Tracy (John) Embrett, and grandchildren Breagh, Iona, Julia, Shaun, Parker and Hannah. Jackie is also survived by her siblings Judie Graves, John (Glennie-Ruth), Marilyn (Bruce) Johnson, Lou (Debbie), and sister-in-law Debby Graves, as well as Moe’s siblings, Brian (Arlene), Rod (Valerie), Clare (Rhea) Marshall, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mom spent her final years being lovingly cared for by the amazing staff at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home on Windsor Street in Halifax. With ready smiles and gentle ways, the care, commitment and support provided to Mom matched the kindness and compassion she had for others throughout her life; and we will be forever grateful.

A funeral mass will take place at Saint Agnes Roman Catholic Parish Church, 6903 Mumford Road in Halifax on Friday, June 5 at 10:00 am.

Fond memories or personal messages can be shared with Jackie’s family at: www.JASnowFuneralHome.com.