Margaret Cecelia MacDonald (née Sutherland) passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, at the age of 90, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, she was the daughter of Dr. Harvey Sutherland and Mary (Young) Sutherland, both predeceased. She was also predeceased by her beloved husband, A. Joseph (Joe) MacDonald, and by several cherished siblings. She leaves behind brothers, Fabian and Stuart Sutherland.

Margaret is survived by her son, Stuart (Anna); and her granddaughters, Lauren and Claire, who brought her immense pride and joy. She was a loving godmother and aunt to, Valerie, Petra, Susan, Joanne, a godmother to others and a devoted aunt to many dear nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

An accomplished educator, Margaret attended St. Francis Xavier and St. Mary’s Universities, completing a B.A., B.Sc., B.Ed, and dual M.A.s, majoring in curriculum design. Her adventurous nature took her to Edmonton, AB. where she began her career teaching music, drama and biology at St.Mary’s High School. From there she taught in Vancouver, BC and after marrying Joe, taught in Kelowna, BC where their son, Stuart, was born. In 1968, the family moved back to eastern Canada where Margaret continued her career in education, extending her teaching to positions in special education, guidance counseling and as a Vice Principal with the then Halifax County School Board.

Margaret devoted her life to supporting others, especially newcomers and teenagers. She understood teens and listened in a way that made young people feel seen and validated. She developed programs for ‘students at high risk’, child development, educational therapy for mentally challenged adults, and established the first ‘School to Home After Hours Parent Communication’ program in Nova Scotia. In retirement she continued to enjoy teaching, volunteering with the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA), and enjoyed a close relationship with several families that continued into her later years.

Margaret was a devout, LGBTQ-affirming Catholic, who faithfully prayed everyday and could be found watching mass on TV in her later years as her mobility declined. She had a true passion for music, and singing was synonymous with Margaret. She had an impressive range and although she sang soprano, she was known to sing tenor on occasion when the section needed an extra voice! She was an active member of several choirs over the course of her life and was instrumental in the music ministry at St. Stephen’s Parish in Halifax’s North End.

Within the extended family, Margaret was a “glue person,” pulling the family together for many memorable gatherings over the years, usually involving plenty of music and laughter. The devotion she had for her extended family spread to the next generation, and she will be remembered for the care and attention she also showed to her grandnieces and grandnephews.

The family wish to express their sincere gratitude for the care Margaret received while at Northwood Ivany Place. A special thank you to Yvonne, Tina and Raman for their love and care during her time on Parkland and later at Northwood in Bedford. We will be forever grateful.

Cremation has taken place under the care and compassion of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Beechville. Interment alongside her husband Joe will take place following a Celebration of Life to be held in Halifax in the Spring of 2026. An announcement with additional details will be posted on this website and in the Chronicle Herald closer to the date. Those who would like to be notified by email, kindly forward your request to stuart@stuartmacdonald.ca

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Kids Help Phone in support of Margaret’s life’s work of helping young people.