Tenacious and indomitable, Dolena or Dee as she was known by many, passed away peacefully in Halifax on February 8, 2023.
Dolena was born in Inverness on September 11, 1934 to the late Hugh Joseph MacDonald and Mary Ellen MacIntyre. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Geraldine (Harold Gillis); husbands, Louis William (Bill) Roach (December 1999) and James Reid (September 2021); infant son, Raymond; and grandchildren, Kelly Jeanne and Shauna Marie.
She is survived by her children, Ron (Johanna Steeghs), Bill (Leona Hollett), Brian (Patricia Simpson) and Darlene (Donnie MacLellan); grandchildren, Liam (Kate), Lindsay Dawn (Thommy), Kristy Lee (Nicolas), Kathryn (Kieran), Brock, Makayla, Ryland and Caden; five great grandchildren, Nikkie, Kaylee, Josh, Matt and Malakai. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mary Catherine Plante (Inverness) and Peggy Gallant (Dundas); brothers-in-law, Si Roach (Beamsville), Jack Roach (Toronto) and Charles Reid (Nesbit).
Dolena loved music and was a guiding force in the resurgence of Celtic culture in Inverness County. She enjoyed and promoted all things Celtic from organizing a Robby Burns celebration to guiding the inexperienced through a square set. She was especially happy when listening to her children and grandchildren playing and singing her favorite tunes. She was an organizer and a stickler for the details and the ‘proper way’ to do things. She loved Creignish and spent many years volunteering and contributing to the various projects, activities and parish events in the beautiful community she and Bill called home for over 30 years.
A businessperson and entrepreneur at heart, she worked in many fields until bookkeeping for a local business became her skilled focus. Mom was resourceful and a good deal for value was never missed at home, at work, or abroad. She believed in education and life, encouraging her family and those around her to take full advantage of both as was evident in her many years working with youth choirs, Girl Guides and as an adult education coordinator. An avid traveler, she explored Europe, South Africa, Mexico, and travelled extensively within North America gathering spoons and t-shirts as souvenirs of her adventures. Cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and new acquaintances enjoyed her vibrancy and hospitality at many locations as she lived in Inverness, Boston, Craigmore, Snow Lake, Oxford and Halifax. Her time in Snow Lake, with her second husband, Jim, was highlighted with travel, games of Chicken Foot, and gatherings with friends. Mom was passionate about family and family gatherings and could be relied on to recite all things related to the genealogy of her MacDonalds and MacIntyres.
The family thanks those who have cared for mom and offered her gestures of kindness over the years, your thoughtfulness did not go unnoticed. We want to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Drummond Hall, Parkland - Clayton Park for your compassion and quality care over the past year.
Visitation will be held Thursday February 23rd from 3 -7 pm in Inverness Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held in Creignish in Stella Maris Church on Friday February 24th at 11:00am with Rev. Barret Clare-Johnson officiating, interment at a later date. There will be a reception following the funeral in the Creignish Recreation Centre.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest you support a local worthy cause; dance an Inverness set and hug each other.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
Blessed journey, Mom, Gramma Dee, to Mingulay.
