Sister Rebecca Irene MacDonald

Sister Rebecca MacDonald died peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2019 at the CND Health Care Centre, Sydney. Born in Antigonish, NS, on June 19, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Roderick Angus and Catherine Anne (MacInnis) MacDonald. Sister Rebecca entered the Congregation of Notre Dame in 1951 and made profession on August 19, 1953. Sister Rebecca was an exceptional elementary school teacher, serving in Montreal, New Glasgow and Sydney. In 1970, recognizing the need for remedial reading in the school system, she was granted leave from the classroom to become a full-time remedial reading teacher. In 1980, she became a reading consultant/supervisor with the Northside Victoria School Board. Sister Rebecca loved her work and cared deeply for the many children she assisted throughout her years in public education. Her own love of English Literature and the spoken word made Becky the consummate story teller. Upon retiring from the school system, Becky moved to St. Albert, Alberta where she became involved in parish ministry. In 1989 she returned to the Maritimes and continued to volunteer her services at Mount St. Bernard, Antigonish, and later in Sydney. In 2005, due to declining health, Sister Becky moved to the CND Health Care Centre where she continued her ministry of prayer, presence and companionship, endearing herself to the dedicated staff who so lovingly cared for her. Sister Rebecca is the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by sister-in-law, Gail MacDonald. She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters, Sadie, Mary, Florence, Phyllis, and brothers, John J, Clement and Wilfred. Visitation for Sister Rebecca will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17 at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery, Antigonish, NS. Online condolences may be sent to www.twcurry.com.