Obituary of Alexanderina "Rena" MacDonald

Alexanderina “Rena” MacDonald, age 99 of MacLellan’s Brook formerly of Stellarton passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2023 surrounded by family. Born in Scotland on the Isle of Coll, she was daughter of the late Archibald and Margaret (Nicolson) MacInnes. Rena was a former employee of the Zeller’s Store in New Glasgow, owned and operated MacDonald’s Bed and Breakfast, and was also the manager of Stirling’s Apples where she was fondly known as the ‘Apple Lady’. Rena was a member of the LTBA (Loyal True Blue Association) where she had served as Past Grand Mistress. Rena is survived by four children Archibald “Archie” (Sophie), Newfoundland; Margaret “Peggy” (Leo) Gallant, Antigonish; Sterling (Rita), Black Point and Donna Cameron, MacLellan’s Brook; grandchildren, Jimmy MacDonald, Jana MacDonald Locke, Sherri (Pat) McCarthy, Arlene MacDonald (Dallas), Trent MacDonald (Alyssa), Kenny MacDonald, Jason MacDonald (Tracey), Ian Gallant (Gina), Raymond Gallant (Bronwyn), Kara Cameron, Natalie Jones (Brandon), and 26 great-grandchildren 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her two brothers John and Robbie MacInnes as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband James MacDonald; brothers Charles MacInnes (Alice), Donnie MacInnes (Winifred), special son, Allan Kaiser and beloved grandson Leo Thomas Gallant (Danielle). As the Matriarch of our family, Rena leaves behind her a legacy of love and admiration. All who knew her admired her determination and tenacity. Rena was always intellectually ahead of her time and a forward thinker; she was never afraid to share her opinion. She will always be remembered for her baking, love of poetry, and ability to host a dinner party filled with love laughter and wonderful food. Her generosity and kindness will long be remembered by all of those who came into her home or place of work. She spent many years running a bed and breakfast and housing students, many of which stayed in contact with her for years after. Rena loved to dance with her Husband Jim and spent many Saturday nights on the dance floor. Rena truly believed that she would be welcomed into the Kingdom of God, and we pray for her everlasting peace. The Family would like to say a very special thank you to all of the support staff that went above and beyond in the long-term care of Rena. Specifically, we would like to thank Kevin, Graham, Laura and staff at Stellarton Medical Hall. Debbie Williams at palliative care who’s kindness was unmatched as well as Dr. Kwasnik. The numerous CCA and LPN’s with the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON). Extra special thanks to Rena’s in house caregiver and close friend Margie Best. Her love, care and compassion was so greatly appreciated by Rena and her family. Donations in her memory may be made to the Tango2 Research Foundation at https://tango2research.org/donate/ in support of her great-granddaughter Bria Alexandra as per her wishes. Visitation will be held from 2-4pm and 7-9pm in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home Stellarton. Funeral service will be held the MacQuarrie Funeral Home Chapel at 11am on July 29. Burial will be at the Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. www.angusfuneralhomes.com