Loretta Marcella MacFarlane

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Loretta MacFarlane, on May 26, 2026, at the beautiful age of 99. She died peacefully at the Halifax Infirmary with family by her side.

She was born on January 16, 1927, in Judique, Cape Breton, the daughter of the late Hugh and Margaret MacDonnell.

As a young person, Loretta enjoyed playing sports, including basketball. She also loved Scottish fiddle music and attending square dances at venues throughout Inverness County.

After graduating from Teacher’s College in Truro, she taught school in Judique, Margaree, Christmas Island, and later in Halifax. She loved teaching and touched many lives during her 35-year career.

Loretta met the love of her life, Joe, at a dance in Margaree. She frequently spoke about the first night they met—how handsome he was and how thrilled she felt when he approached her and asked her to dance. The rest is history. They were married several years later and settled in Sydney, Cape Breton. Joe’s job with the federal government took them to Saint John, N.B., for 10 years, and later to Halifax in 1967.

Loretta and Joe enjoyed a rich life full of love, faith, family, and friendships. They were active members of their local parish, St. Pius X, which later became Saint Benedict. (Loretta was a long- standing CWL member.) They made numerous lifelong friends through the church, the curling club, and the various bridge clubs they joined.

Their summers and weekends were often spent in Cape Breton, sharing good times with family and friends—whether over a feed of lobster, a game of cards, or at a dance or concert.

Loretta was a fountain of strength and a force to be reckoned with. She was a Christian woman who was very thankful for her blessings and leaned on the Lord in times of need. She dearly loved her children and supported them in all their endeavours. Her door was always open to those who needed a soft place to land.

Loretta was known for her dry wit and great sense of humour. She kept her friends and family laughing, even during challenging times. She loved playing bridge and was often heard bidding “three no trump,” her favourite.

Sadly, her beloved Joe passed away in 2007. Loretta persevered and was able to maintain her home and independence until 2021, at which time she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, where she remained until her recent hospitalization.

We considered Loretta (Mom) a true gift. She enriched our lives with her stories, wisdom, love, and laughter. She will be truly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Margo (Mike Caron), and her son, Roy (Linda Montle).

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by Joe, her loving husband of 54 years; her sister, Louise; her brothers, Ronald and Alexander; her sister-in-law, Edith MacDonnell; and her brother-in-law, Kirt MacNeil. She was the last surviving member of her family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Snow’s Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive, Halifax. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 12:15 p.m. at Saint Benedict Parish, 45 Radcliffe Drive, Halifax. A reception will follow in the church auditorium. Family burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, will take place after the reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.