Obituary of Louise MacKinnon

Madonna Louisa ‘Louise’ MacKinnon, 85 Glace Bay, N.S. Born on Friday, October 13, 1939, in Donkin, Nova Scotia, Louise MacKinnon’s life mirrored the weather—marked by long stretches of calm, occasionally interrupted by storms. With a blend of grace and, at times, a fearless disregard for what might come next, she navigated life’s challenges. These experiences enriched her existence and shaped unforgettable moments, both joyous and occasionally difficult. Louise was the third child of Veronica Louise Ryan and John Donald MacKinnon. She spent her life in her beloved Cape Breton, living in Donkin, Tower Road, and Glace Bay for extended periods while raising her family. While her mailing address changed, she epitomized the ideal of home being where family is rather than some physical location. A curious and intelligent woman, Louise had a passion for learning—whether through books, the internet, or conversations with others. Her mind, much like the spaces that she occupied, was often overflowing with people, things, and experiences, seemingly disorganized to an outside observer. But to Louise, everything was connected in a way that gave her life a rich complexity and clarity. Looking back, Louise fondly recalled her first taste of independence when, at the age of five, she began attending Sunday school. She cherished being part of a large group, learning new games and skills. Her mother, a self-taught seamstress, crafted a special outfit for this occasion—a navy cape with red lining, paired with a new set of white gloves, an embroidered handkerchief, and a nickel for the collection plate tucked neatly in her small white handbag. Louise also remembered the challenges of the Second World War, particularly during food rationing. She vividly recalled going to the local co-op to collect her family’s sugar allocation. As an adult, Louise balanced raising a large family with various roles in which she served others. She married Raymond Bernard David on December 7, 1957, in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, and together, they bought their first house for just $700. Louise was the proud mother of six children—four boys and two girls. She enjoyed a fulfilling yet simple life with her family. A lover of travel, she explored by car, train, and plane, often accompanied by her children and grandchildren. Louise built lasting friendships with wonderful people, including Caresse, Ruthie, and Frema. Yet, her lifelong companion and likely best friend was her mother, Veronica. The two would often set off together in the vehicle, with no destination in mind, strengthening a bond that went beyond the typical mother-daughter relationship. For 25 years, Louise worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, offering compassionate care to many in personal care homes. She also worked with the Canadian Red Cross and taught CPR/First Aid with St. John Ambulance. In her later years, Louise embarked on a new adventure as a Housemother and First Aid provider at the S.O.S. Children’s Village in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. She took great pride in caring for the children and preparing meals for them, often cooking dishes that reflected her Scottish heritage. From her mother, she developed a love of baking with molasses and peanut butter, bringing joy through her food, in spite of her knack for leaving things in the oven always just a little too long. Louise is fondly remembered by her family and friends. She is survived by her children: Raymond, Sheldon, Terry (Marie), Robert (Trish), Stephen (Candace), Michelle (Jerry Sanvido), and Nicole (Aaron Boutlier). Her legacy lives on in her grandchildren: Kassandra, Trevor, Tara, Tonya, Taylor, Sasha, Tyler, Chantel, Mark, Michael, Christian, Grace, Alex, Jonathan, and Lyndsey. She was also blessed by her great-grandchildren: Sebastian, Elijah, Gabriel, Emma, Vincenzo, Owen, Vincent, Johnny, Sophia, Hunter, Harper, Caleb, and Josie. The spouses and significant others of her grandchildren were like children to Louise. She loved Chantele, Peter, Amanda, Victoria, and Amy as if she had given birth to them. Many of her family’s friends also became her family, with many affectionately calling her Nana, their other mother, or "her sister from another mother," Kim. Louise was predeceased by her brother Dugan and his wife Anna, as well as her infant brother Wilmont. A lover of pets, Louise’s home was filled with dogs, cats, fish, and, in her later years, her beloved parakeets, Opie and Pinkie. She always opened her doors and heart to strays, be they of the human or animal variety. Despite her gentle and warm demeanor, Louise was known for her wry sense of humour—a trait she shared with her children. In her final days, surrounded by family, they shared stories, laughter, and playful but somewhat relentless teasing. Like her children, the more Louise teased, the more she loved. Louise firmly believed that life was as much about the journey as the destination. As a result, she often found herself in unexpected places, doing unexpected things, with unexpected people. These moments became cherished memories, and those people often became like family. Her loved ones are particularly grateful for the care Louise received in her final years, living with her granddaughter Chantel, who, alongside Ryan, ensured that Louise’s needs were met while keeping her spirits bright. Her children Nicole and Terry, along with son-in-law Aaron and grandson Jonathan, lived nearby and were always there when needed. While some of her children lived farther away, pursuing careers and building their own families, Louise always knew they were just a phone call or FaceTime away. When they visited from afar, her heart was filled with joy as her aches and pains were replaced by fond recollections of her life and impact. Louise made it to 85 years of age despite more than a few illnesses and health issues over the years. The incredible genetics and resiliency that she inherited from the women in her family allowed her to keep living far longer than she or her children ever thought she would. She braved cancer and a serious injury due to an untimely fall and went out on her own terms when she finally decided that it was time for a final rest. While the final days of life are often challenging, Louise's transition was eased by the compassionate care provided by the staff at the Glace Bay General Hospital. Her children will forever be grateful to the nurses, Katelynn, and Amanda, for their gentle care of both Louise and her family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any organization that prioritizes the care of animals, especially the SPCA. Final goodbyes and memories will occur in T.J. Tracey Funeral Home 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, N.S. 902-849-4199, visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life over a luncheon in the lower level of T.J. Tracey Funeral Home. Come prepared with some Kleenex, a warm heart, and a willingness to remember Louise with laughter. Interment will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be offered on the T.J. Tracey’s website, www.tjtracey.com. Feel free to share funny stories or experiences that you enjoyed while riding shotgun with Louise. However, be judicious in sharing those stories because some of them may not be known to either her children or local law enforcement.