Laurena Mae MacDonald

Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Live Simply.

These words best describe the life and spirit of our wonderful mom, Laurena Mae MacDonald (Donahoe), who died peacefully at Northwood Manor, Halifax, on January 4, 2012. She was the daughter of Maggie and John Donahoe of Roseneath, PEI. She grew up working on the family farm among twelve siblings. In 1945 she married Allan MacDonald of Mount Stewart, PEI and raised twelve children in Charlottetown and Moncton.

Laurena was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a gifted baker, avid gardener, devout Catholic, tireless knitter, and card shark extraordinaire, and she always loved a good laugh. She adored her children and delighted in everything relating to her many grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Allan and sons Ronald and John. She is survived by sons Gerard (Liz), Halifax; Rob, Three Fathom Harbour, NS; and Jim (Holly), Kanata, ON; daughters Mary (John), Chezzetcook, NS; Barbara Leroy (Dave), Delta, BC; Bernadette (Darlah), Cedar Lake, NS; Rita (Mike), Dartmouth; Theresa Forsyth (Randy), Musquodoboit Harbour, NS; Brenda (Andrew), Guelph, ON; and Lynn (Maura), Dartmouth, NS; and daughter-in-law, Patsy Thibault, Canisto, NB; 24 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by all of her siblings: Margaret (Sr. Mary Nevis), Marie Kane, Edward, Agnes Walsh, Rita, Gudela Roden, Sr. Regina, John, Robert, Florence Brothers, and Ann Gill. Laurena is also survived by brother-in-law Dan MacDonald (Sussex, NB), sisters-in-law Maureen Donahoe (Riverview, NB), Mena MacDonald (Stratford, PEI), Helen MacDonald (Charlottetown, PEI), Felicia Donahoe (Brudenell, PEI), and Patricia Doucette (Roseneath, PEI).

Laurena will be waked at home at Woodbine Cottage, 28 Woodbine Lane, Georgetown Royalty, PE, on Friday, January 6, starting at 6:30 pm. Memorial donations may be made in Laurena's memory to St. James Cemetery if desired. The funeral mass will be Saturday, January 7 at 1pm, St. James Catholic Church, Georgetown, PEI. Interment in the parish cemetery. The family would like to thank all of the caregivers who have cared for Mom throughout the years, in both PEI and Nova Scotia. We can never convey our gratitude for your love and support since her devastating stroke in January 1998. Funeral arrangements entrusted to North Shore Funeral Home, Morell.