Obituary of Jennifer MacDonald

Jennifer Lynn MacDonald Reserve Mines With shattered hearts, the family of Jennifer Lynn MacDonald (née MacKillop), announce her tragic passing on August 6th, 2022 at the age of 35. She was born in Glace Bay and was the daughter of Elizabeth (Burton) and Gordon MacKillop. Besides her parents, she is survived by her loving husband and soulmate, Tyler MacDonald, who will miss her beyond words; her siblings Francine McCready, John (Lynette) MacKillop, and Dawn (Wayne) O’Hara; as well as her nieces Chastity, Joni, Hillary, and Allie J, and nephews Zachary, Dylan, and Tucker. Also left to mourn her loss are her father and mother-in-law Robert “Bob” and Marion MacDonald who loved her like a daughter, and her sister-in-law Jillian who held a special place in Jen’s heart. We also can’t forget to mention her fur baby Trigger who she loved with all her heart. He will surely miss his snuggles with his Ma. Jen will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends (more than you can count) especially “The Crew” and co-workers past and present. She is predeceased by maternal grandparents Alexander and Mary Burton; paternal grandparents John and Hilda MacKillop; and brother, Gordie MacKillop, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins all of whom were no doubt awaiting her with open arms. She is also predeceased by two of her other fur babies Mannie and Cleo who were very special to her. Jen was a proud member of the CBU family as Assistant to the Associate Vice-President for University Relations. She was known as the one who held their whole department together. Prior to working at CBU, she worked with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. She cherished the connections and friendships she made throughout these years. In her younger years, you could find Jen hanging out with the Bridgeport Crew playing basketball. These friendships lasted 30 years and she cherished them. Her summers were spent “Down North” in Bay St. Lawrence, spending time with family usually fishing or swimming at the river or the beach. Jen was fun-loving, fearless, kind, charismatic, and selfless. She lived life to the fullest, was beautiful inside and out, could light up any room and made every moment count. Jen was happiest when making others happy, never asking for anything in return. She could pull off wearing camo and rubber boots as well as her lipstick and heels, until she kicked them off to show the dance floor what it was really made for. She truly was the life of the party. Jen loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, boating, camping, biking and spending time at the bungalow. You’d often find Jen hanging out in the “barn” with the boys, busy planning the next party or organizing the next adventure and you may have seen her dressed up as “The Grinch” on more than one occasion. She loved holidays and creating traditions. If you knew Jen, you knew that she always made sure to capture each of these moments with more than a photo or two. Jen’s love for her family and friends was fierce, but she was most proud of the beautiful life she built with her husband, Tyler. They were truly best friends. You wouldn’t often find one without the other. Jen, it is impossible to sum up your life in a few short paragraphs; you have touched the lives of so many. Words will never be able to describe how much we miss you. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, NS (902-849-4199). A celebration of life or Jennifer will take place Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 12 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish, Main St., Reserve Mines with Father Daniel Boudreau officiating. Burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, MacLeod’s Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s / Holy Family Cemetery, please contact Cathy at St. Joseph’s Parish at 902-849-8543.