Velma (Duckie) MacDougall, 93, surrounded by her loving family, courageously passed away on April 28, 2026, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. She was born in Mulgrave to Harold and Clara (Spurrell) Crittenden. As one of eleven children, she was so small she could fit inside a shoebox. What she lacked in size, she made up for in personality. Duckie loved telling jokes and one-liners which were always followed by her signature cackle. She didn’t crawl or walk when she was a child, she stood up and ran. This describes how Duckie moved through life, full speed.

She played cards and bingo to win, and she made sure you knew it! Duckie took great pride in her appearance and always looked her best. One of her greatest summer pastimes was spending it on the beaches in Port Hood with her family and friends. In later years, she could be found on the verandah, watching the sun set over Port Hood Island. It was her family whom she loved dearly and always made sure we knew it with a “love ya” and a big squeeze.

Duckie is survived by daughters; Terry Penny (Greig Bishop), Cathy Fitzgerald and son, Allan; granddaughter, Meghan Penny (Mike Giles); grandsons, Bradley (Kayla Pilot), and Gregory (Jade) Fitzgerald; her two great grandsons, Kian and Lugh Giles, who were shown the love of their Nana Duck. She is also survived by brothers, David, Marvin, and Charlie, and sister, Jean.

Besides her parents, Duckie was predeceased by her husband, Roddie CN MacDougall; son-in-law, Frank Fitzgerald; brothers, Donnie, Alvin, Russell, and Ivan; and sisters, Bertha and Betty.

Duckie enjoyed the last seven years at Rideout House where she formed special friendships.

Donations can be made in memory of Duckie MacDougall to Palliative Care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS. Funeral services to be held at a later date.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.