Norma Frances MacDonald

It is with sadness yet many loving memories that we announce the passing of our mother Norma Frances MacDonald (née Cleversey) on Friday, December 27, 2024 in the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Halifax, NS. She was 96. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 69 years, Errol David MacDonald, in 2021, and by her daughter Laurel’s partner Phil Strong in 2022. Survived by her children David (Diane), Brian (Margaret), and Laurel, by granddaughters Jillian, Heather, Laura, Dana, numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Mom was born June 16, 1928 in Lynn, Massachusetts, the only child of MilledgeCleversey and Stella Cleversey (née Lohnes), both of whom were from West LaHave, NS. Mom grew up in Lynn, Everett and Arlington, Massachusetts, graduating from Arlington High School in 1946. She then moved with her parents back to West LaHave. While living there she enjoyed teaching in the one room school house in Lake Centre, then went on to study at the Nova Scotia College of Art where she first met Dad. Their romance soon blossomed. Dad went on to study at the Ontario College of Art, and Momjoined him in Toronto where she worked at CIBC, while he worked as a draftsman for the Borough of North York. They were married in 1952 in Toronto, where their children were born. The family moved to Halifax in 1958 so Dad could take a job with Canadian-British Engineering. Mom was busy on the home front with the three children, as well as with the Women’s Auxiliary of the Atlantic Symphony, and the United Church Women at Bethany United Church where she became president of the Gertrude Archibald unit.

Mom loved her children and grandchildren deeply, celebrated their successes, and supported them in all their endeavours. She passed on her love of art, music, reading, and an awareness of social justice to her children and grandchildren. She loved her travels with our Dad, venturing across Canada, the US & UK, as well as Europe, Greece and Egypt. She enjoyed decorating the addition of their home in west end Halifax and her time at the family cottage in Green Bay, NS. Mom will be greatly missed by her children, their families and extended family.

Special thanks to caregivers Trish, Nichole, Barb, Janet, Meagan and Brooklyn who took exemplary care of Mom and made it possible for her to stay in the home she loved to the very end. Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to Bethany United Church in Halifax, or a charity of the donor’s choice. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.