Marie Jeanette MacDonald

Born on December 17, 1942, Marie was the daughter of the late Willis James (Jim) Murphy and Annie Elizabeth (nee Barnes). She was also predeceased by her three brothers Innis Carmen, Munroe Emmerson, and Herbert (Herb) Hewlet, as well as sister-in-law Winnifred (Winnie) Christine (nee Zwicker). She is survived by sister-in-laws Rhadie Virginia (nee Budge), Cora Vivian (nee MacLean), Francine (Kenny) Muirhead and Heather (Edward) Burton, nephews Michael, Dennis, and Willard, nieces Natalie (Chris), Carmella, and Marlene (Claude), grandnephews Jordon (Janelle), Kale, Connor, Sheamus, and Liam, and grandnieces Shelly, Marissa, and Eryn.

On December 7, 1974 she married her beloved husband of 44 years, David Duncan MacDonald, who predeceased her in 2019. While not having children of their own, Marie dearly treasured her (grand) nieces, nephews and God children, photos of whom are proudly displayed throughout her home.

Marie taught school in White Point but eventually went to school for business. She worked the majority of her career for the Ingonish Branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia until due to health reasons and reduced mobility had to take a medical retirement. Never to be idle, Marie often kept busy, knitting socks as she had learned from her mother and crocheting blankets, Christmas ornaments and dish clothes that she would gift to family or donate to the church sales. She will be remembered fondly by family and friends for her kindness and spirit.

Before mobility became an issue, she enjoyed taking walks with David. They were lifelong fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, and were, for many years, season passholders to the Cape Breton Eagles. Though David was a true Scotsman, Marie was very proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed dabbling in researching her Murphy ancestry. She and David had many friends and fun-filled rivalries from their weekly social outings to the card games, bingo, and the casino.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Buchanan Memorial, the Continuing Care nurses, the Victoria County Home Support CCAs, and close friends who supported and cared for her over the years. It was through this support system that she was able to remain living in her childhood home until her passing. We would also like to convey our deepest gratitude to Brenda MacDougall and Angela Donovan, who meant so much to Marie and whose care and friendship brought her great comfort.

'Ree' will be forever missed as she takes her final journey to find eternal peace alongside David, her parents, and brothers.

A service will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 2:00pm at Ingonish United Church. Those who wish to honour Marie's memory can make a donation to Ingonish United Church. Online condolences can be shared with the family at fillmoreandwhitman.com