Cecilia Joanne MacFarlane

Sister Joanne MacFarlane, formerly S.S. Mary Ian, a Sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame, died at the CND Health Care Center on January 23, 2026 in her 64th year of religious life. Joanne was born in Upper Margaree, Inverness County, NS on October 27, 1939, the daughter of the late John Angus and Mary Ann (MacKinnon) MacFarlane.

She entered the Congregation of Notre Dame in 1959 and made First Vows in 1961. Sister Joanne’s life and loving commitment to God were expressed through her life of mission and service within the Congregation of Notre Dame. She found her true calling in the field of education. Teaching mainly in Mabou, NS, she made it her priority to instill in her students the core values of integrity, respect and a belief in themselves which would carry them through life.

In addition to her teaching, she also served as Residence Coordinator at Mount St. Bernard College in Antigonish and offered community service as house bursar and Candidate Director.

Joanne was known and appreciated for her quiet strength and gracious spirit. Although she lived with dementia in her later years, she never forgot how to be kind and to extend a warm welcome.

Sister Joanne retired to Parkland Cape Breton in 2011 where she enjoyed the camaraderie of the other sisters as well as many of the residents. Due to ill health she moved to the CND Health Care Centre where she focused on a Ministry of Prayer and Presence with an emphasis on Family Life.

Sr. Joanne is survived by her sister-in-law Loretta MacFarlane. She was predeceased by brothers Richard (Kay), Joseph, James, Bernard and by sisters Elizabeth (John Ferguson, Angus Gillis), Margaret (George) MacKenzie, Hughena (Duncan) Gillis, Jessie (Neil) MacGregor, Genevieve (Bernard) Chisholm and Irene (Michael) Murphy. She is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews whom she loved dearly.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9:30 – 10:30 am at T W Curry Parkview Chapel followed by Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks in the Spring. To view the service, or to leave a memory or condolence for her family, please visit www.twcurry.com.