With sadness and heavy hearts we announce the death of Samuel Leo MacDougall (Oct 7, 1928 – May 8, 2022) at Dykeland Lodge, Windsor Nova Scotia, where he recently resided with his wife Lorna. Sam was a long time resident of St. Peter’s Road, Sydney and a faithful member of St. Marguerite Bourgoeys Parish.
Born and raised in Whitney Pier (a fact that he was forever proud) Sam was sixth of the eleven children of Hughie and Margaret (MacNeil) MacDougall.
Educated in Whitney Pier, Sydney Academy and St. FX (50) Sam was a lifelong educator, teaching at Don Bosco in Whitney Pier prior to becoming principal at St. Anthony Daniel elementary school, a position he held for 20 years.
An avid sport fan and participant Sam played hockey and ball in his youth, transitioning to downhill skiing, curling and golf. Sam and Lorna were long time supporters of the Cape Breton Oilers and Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, rarely missing a game, thoroughly enjoying the friendly banter with their section mates and between period valued conversations with new and old friends. Sam and Lorna were also fortunate to spend many summers at their cottage in Big Pond Cape Breton, along with some “winter time” in Florida with very special friends.
Sam was at one time Chair of St. Joseph’s Church Parish Council, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus achieving 4th Degree, a long time board member of RC MacGillivray Guest Home, and served on the board of the Sydney Curling Club.
Sam (Pa) is survived by: his wife and best friend of 63 years Lorna (McDougall), a great father to son Bryan, an extraordinary grandfather to Lauren (Ryan) and Peter, and great-grandfather to Wyatt and Joshua. Sam is also survived by his sister Alma (Les) Turcotte; in-laws John and Loyola McDougall, Sister Ann Marie (CND) McDougall along with many devoted nieces and nephews. Special thanks to nieces Leslie, Debbie, Janice and Carol for their visits and attention to Sam and Lorna’s needs.
Sam was pre-deceased by sisters Helena (Aeo) MacLean, Carmella Mc Donald, Sister Olga (CSM), Mary Kenney; brothers, Stanley (in infancy), James, Francis, John and Roddie.
The family would like to express thanks to those caregivers and support workers from Shannex Parkland 3rd floor, CBRH unit 3B, 4 North Glace Bay Hospital, Dykeland Lodge, ER staff of Hants Community Hospital along with the ever professional staff of EHS all of whom recently provided quality care for Sam.
If inclined, in memory of Sam, donations to suggested charities CBRH Tom Mac Neil Patient Cancer Care Fund, Hospice Cape Breton, Feed NS or charity of ones choice can be made. Family flowers only.
A wake will be held on Sunday May 15th from 6-9 PM at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., with a Funeral Mass at 11 AM, Monday May 16 at St. Marguerite Bourgoeys Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney. Masks are suggested and appreciated; if feeling unwell, no need to pay in-person respects, Sam would understand. For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed via TW Curry’s Facebook page.
