It is with great sorrow that the family of Nora MacDonald-Plourde, aged 82, announce her passing on Saturday March 25th, 2023, at Harbourstone Care Home. Born on June 25th, 1940 in Sydney, Nora was the daughter of the late Joseph and Celia (Christmas) MacDonald of Membertou.
A devoted wife, mother, aunt, and godmother, Nora lived and shared a full life with her beloved husband Rhéal; travelling and living across Ontario, Quebec, PEI and Nova Scotia. As renowned leatherwork artisans, their work was known and in demand both across Canada and internationally. Nora and Rhéal opened and operated popular Aboriginal crafts stores in both Ottawa and Cape Breton. They jointly taught several courses across Atlantic Canada, passing on knowledge and skills of traditional Aboriginal arts. Nora also worked as a Specialty Aboriginal Historical Costume Research and Designer for CBC’s historical mini-series on the pre-European Mi’kmaq.
Later in life, Nora returned to school to acquire a Bachelor of Education from McGill University. She continued her career furthering the cause for adult education and literacy within aboriginal communities. As an esteemed Elder, Nora had always been a supporter of the Membertou community and the greater First Nation at large, spending much time volunteering, particularly at powwows. In 2020, Nora was the recipient of the Grand Chief Membertou Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nora is survived by her daughters, Rhenore Collins, Capucine Plourde, and son Leon Plourde, and grandson Michael Plourde. Also, Nora’s sisters Marinda MacDonald, Shirley (Wilfred) Ward, and sister-in-law Janice MacDonald. Also left to mourn is her beloved caregiver Felicia Paul, and a large number of nieces, nephews, and god-children. Her loss is truly and deeply felt by family, friends and the Mi’kmaw community.
Aside from her parents, Nora was pre-deceased by her husband, Rhéal “Love” Plourde, brothers Douglas, Gordon and Archie MacDonald, and Noel (Jean) Doucette.
Visitations on Sunday and Monday, April 2-3, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney. Funeral Mass to be held at 11 AM, Tuesday April 4th at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney; followed by a community Salite to be held at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, all are welcome to join.
Please note that the service will be live-streamed & archived video will be available on the TW Curry website (www.TWCurry.com) for those unable to attend. Friends and family are invited to leave condolences and share their memories of Nora in the online guestbook.
