It is with profound sorrow that we announce the departure of our family’s precious matriarch, Donna Irene McFadden, 81, of Springhill, Nova Scotia. Mumma passed peacefully at home, from the arms of her doting children and grandchildren into the gentle embrace of Jesus, on December 25th, 2019.
Born June 17, 1938, in Springhill, Donna was the youngest daughter of the late George Wesley and Annie Elizabeth (McNeil) Brown. She was predeceased by her loving husband and our devoted father, Edward Pearle McFadden and by her siblings Ada (Smith), Georgie (Corkum), Jeannie (Cameron), Mary (Rector), John (Brown) and Duncan (Brown).
She is survived by her children Nancy (Raymond) Perry, Edward (Janet) McFadden Jr., Jo-Ann (John) Calder and Valerie (Glenn) Brown; grandchildren Annette, Amanda, Arlene, Raymond Jr., Christopher, Jessica, Summer, Robert, Neil, Mitchell and Keith; great-grandchildren Devin, Dylan, Kyle, Cameron, Colby, Ashley, Gregory, Mason, Riley, Lucas, Hunter, Abigail, Quinten, Brooke-Lynn, Kruz, Bridget, Trenten, Tori and little Benjamin; great-great-grandchildren; Aaliyah, Everett and Shea.
Words will never be able to fully express how much she meant to us.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she "kissed better" all of our childhood bumps and bruises, wiped away our tears over the years and loved us unconditionally through our very worst and also our very best moments.
For us, she was a beautiful example of what it means to be a loving, modest and kind person, always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She hurt when we were hurting, she laughed when we were happy, cherishing each of us and every single one of our own little babies. Her compassionate nature taught us the importance of safeguarding the dignity of the vulnerable and the utmost importance of fulfilling the solemn promise of an oath.
She loved listening to our father play guitar as he sang old love songs and hymns to her and we most enjoyed it when she would join in, her harmonizing voice to us, sounding "angelic".
Mum enjoyed long drives down old country roads, knitting and crocheting, gospel music, yard sales, Yahtzee and her daily conversations with her sister-in-law and best friend, Sarah. Her favourite treat was a York Peppermint Pattie and a hot cup of tea. Every spring she’d eagerly await a glimpse of Spring’s first returning robin, as it reminded her of Dad. Her favourite hymn was "Consider the Lilies" and she was a faithful follower of Christ, placing her complete trust in Him with her whole heart.
All of these things will now and for the remaining days of our lives, remind us of her; our beautiful Mother; our beautiful Lady; our "Bella Donna" … and we will honour her and cleave to these precious memories in our hearts, forever.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all of those who enveloped our family with overwhelming love and kindness during this past year, including Roy and Roberta McMasters, Dr. Joshy A. Karivelil and his staff, (Springhill), Palliative Care Nurse Beth Scammell and (Sackville, NB) Palliative Care Nurse Carole Fawcett and her team of caregivers including Natasha, Rebecca, McKenzie and Lindsay. Your ongoing endeavours to help Mum in any way you could have deeply touched our hearts and for the immense level of humanity you showed her and us, we will remain eternally grateful.
She never once complained about her plight. Her only wish was to have just one more Christmas with her family… and by God’s loving mercy, her prayer was answered.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of A.H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill (902 597 2361). A Graveside Committal Service for Donna and Edward Sr. will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm in Hillside Cemetery, Springhill, with Pastor Jonathon Cole officiating. All are welcome to attend. Please bring your masks and respect social distancing guidelines.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Donna’s online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A.H. Brown Funeral Service Facebook page.
The family has requested those who wish to make a donation in Donna’s memory, to please do so with your local animal shelter or children’s charity or through performing an act of kindness toward someone in need of the healing power of human compassion.