Helen “Joy” MacDonald, 95, of Hopewell, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2026 at the Valley View Villa. She leaves behind Lloyd, her husband of 67 years, her children John (Alice) and Helen (Greg); her grandchildren Jacy, Reanna, Matthew and Melissa; great-grandchildren Cameron, Breton, Cayden and Lyndi; sister-in-law Peggy, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Bertha (Fraser) and John Lawson Forbes; and siblings Lorna, Jeanne, Ky, Floyd, Bill, Lois, Ian and Alan.

Born in New Glasgow on February 12, 1931, Joy grew up in Churchville and then later on in Hopewell. Once married, the family lived in several places in the Atlantic provinces and a stop in the US with Lloyd’s position in the Air Force. But Joy and Lloyd made their way back to Marshdale, before eventually moving back to Hopewell, where she was able to live at home past her 95th birthday.

Church was an important part of her life where she found strength and community. Joy was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hopewell and active member in the Atlantic Missionary Society.

Joy was a very social person, being involved in the “Highland Squares” square dancing group and regularly attending 45’s card parties. She enjoyed spending time with Lloyd in Concord, walking around and tending to their gardens. On occasion you could find her with friends grabbing a coffee at Wendy’s. She would always have a puzzle on the go and was a big fan of playing solitaire.

She possessed a remarkable ability to remember names and family connections, often able to go back several generations. If you wanted to know how someone was related, Joy was the person to ask.

Family was important to Joy, and she took great pride in staying connected with loved ones, often keeping everyone updated by passing along family news. She was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and treasured the time spent with them.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Barb, Erin, Samantha and VON who’s support enabled Joy to live at home. We would also like to offer thanks to the staff at the Valley View Villa for the care provided during Joy’s last days and to her roommate Lorraine who was always looking out for her.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation for Joy will take place on Wednesday, June 24th from 10-11 am at the HW Angus Funeral Home Chapel, with her funeral to commence at 11 am with Bonnie Crockett officiating. Burial to follow in the Hopewell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Joy to the First Presbyterian Church Hopewell, or the Hopewell Cemetery Fund.

Though the music has paused for now, we take comfort in knowing the caller will bring us all together again for the next dance.