Obituary of Karen Louise MacDonald

The family of Karen Louise MacDonald regret to announce the sudden passing of Karen at her home on July 27, 2023. Karen was born January 4, 1949, and lived her whole life in the Thorburn. Karen was predeceased by her parents Florence (Spencer) and Henry MacDonald, sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Murray Stewart, and birth mother Sylvia Graham. Karen loved Thorburn and was genuinely interested in the history of the village. She was a kind gentle hearted soul with a keen interest in getting to know everyone she met, which often resulted in her asking more questions about their life and family members than an investigating officer. She would never forget a detail and once she met someone, they were considered her friend. Karen was a faithful member of the Union Presbyterian Church in Thorburn and enjoyed spending time with her church family. She enjoyed her outings with Elizabeth and Gail and took great pride in participating in the services with the gathering of the offering. She enjoyed gospel music and had a great collection of tapes that she listened to daily. Karen adored her family and celebrating the many birthdays, holidays, graduations, and the weekly Sunday dinner. She believed the meals were always better (often at the dismay of her family) with a spoon of sugar, a good shake of salt or big pat of butter. Karen appreciated, treasured, and saved every card she was given. Her dear friend Donna Johnstone mailed her many cards from Etobicoke, Ont. and Karen enjoyed reading each and every one she received. Karen loved all animals and would often feed the birds, squirrels, groundhogs, deer, and any other animal that visited the property. Her late kitty Mittens would often take her home a stick leaving it on the doorstep for Karen to find and she saved them all. Karen is survived by her sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Gerald MacLellan, her half sister Doreen Graham, and half brother Gordon Graham; nieces, and nephew: Wendy (Robert) Burns, Debbie Sangster (Al Harris), Judith MacLellan, Wanda Sampson, and Paul (Tena) MacLellan, grandnieces/nephews: Lyndon (Arlene), Cailan (Campbell), Melanie (Gabe), Allison (David), Molly, Rhyli, Adeline and Harlow. Karen moved in with her sister Mary, and brother-in-law Murray, 38 years ago from her parents’ home. She provided care to Mary and Murray that enabled them to stay in their home to their end of life. Karen’s hope was to also remain in the home she loved until her final days; this wish was fulfilled with her passing. Visitation will take place August 10, 2023, from 6-8 pm at HW Angus Funeral Home. Funeral Service August 11, 2023, at 11 am at Union Presbyterian Church in Thorburn and internment to follow in Thorburn Cemetery. Donations can be made in Karen’s memory to the Union Presbyterian Church, Thorburn or Pictou County SPCA. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/union-presbyterian-church/ www.angusfuneralhomes.com