Catherine Ann MacDonald

Catherine Ann "Kay" MacDonald, Sydney,passed away peacefully at home on October 7, 2026 at age 101 with her son Paul and daughter Karen by her side. Born in Shenacadie, Kay was the fifth oldest of thirteen children, born to the late Alan and Mary Elizabeth (MacSween) MacNeil.

Kay was a graduate of Teachers (Normal) College in Truro and Sydney City Hospital School of Nursing. Kay worked as a nurse for over 30 years at City Hospital finishing her career in the original renal dialysis unit.

Kay was a woman of quiet dignity, friendly demeanor, and strong faith. She was a hard worker and had an appreciative, generous heart. She had a sense of style. Kay enjoyed daily walks and tending to her many gardens. She especially enjoyed time with her family, preparing special meals and being at the little red bungalow on the hill in her beloved Shenacadie, where when she was not planting and weeding, took pleasure in watching the chickadees, chipmunks and the lapping waves of the Bras d'Or lakes. She was a wonderful mother and mother-in-law.

Kay was predeceased by her husband Ron, sisters Sadie (late Michael) MacNeil, Annie (late Neil) Gillis, Veronica (late Michael) Yurczyszyn, Agnes (late Roy) Payne, Elizabeth (late Walter) Zalys, Martha (late Michael) Rodall, brothers Joe, Steve (late Carol), and John Alex, and a brother and sister in childhood. In addition, she was predeceased by her in-laws, Gloria MacDonald, Donna and Doug Barbor, and Mary and Bill McPhee.

Kay is survived by her daughter Karen (Tom MacNeil) and her son Paul, as well as her sister Rita (late Fred Shostak), brother-in-law Gerald MacDonald as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, 40 Cabot St, Sydney, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:00 am with Father Bill Burke officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com .

The family wish to thank the people and services that helped Kay and her family the last number of years, especially Dr. Steve MacDougall, Tracy Harrietha, the staff of Charlotte St Pharmasave, and the adult day programs of VON and Cape Breton County Homemakers Adult Day Program, as well as Kay's neighbours who always kept a watchful eye.