Sister Marie Raymond MacDonald

Mass of Christian burial for the late Sister Marie Raymond MacDonald, 92, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, was held October 25 in St. Martha Chapel, Parkland, Antigonish, with Father Gary MacPherson officiating. Sister MacDonald died October 22, 2018, at Martha Place/Mary’s Court, Parkland Antigonish, in the 69th year of her religious life. Cross bearer at the funeral Mass was Alvin MacNeil. Pall Carrier was Florence MacDonald. Readers were Marilyn Dee, Audrey MacDonald and Donald Rasmussen. Maria Grant and Sister Lucy MacNeil presented the offertory gifts. Music was provided by cantor Sister Mary Gouthro, pianist Sheila Redden, instrumentalist Sister Florence Kennedy and leader of song Sister Lillian Gaudet. Pallbearers were Roy Rasmussen, Allan MacDonald, Gerry Grant, Vernon Dee, Colin V. MacDonald and Paul Landry. Born in Antigonish, she was the third youngest of 10 children born to the late Colin Francis and Mary Ellen (MacEachern) MacDonald of Ballantyne’s Cove. Prior to entering the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha, Sister Marie received her diploma in secretarial studies, in 1944, from Mt. St. Bernard College in Antigonish. She worked for three years, entering the Sisters of St. Martha on August 15, 1947. She pronounced her first temporary vows on August 15, 1949, and her perpetual vows on August 15, 1952. Her ministry was spent in various administrative positions where the congregation served. Sister Marie worked in medical records at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish, and St. Rita Hospital in Sydney. She served as admitting officer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Glace Bay, and at St. Michael’s Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta. From 1972 - 1976, she lived at St. John’s Hospital in Lowell, Massachusetts, serving as local leader to the sisters living there and studying in the Clinical Pastoral Education program. Following this time, she ministered in the Diocese Kamloops, British Columbia, serving as secretary to the bishop, and chancellor of that diocese. Sister Marie also served in the general administration of the congregation as apostolic director for five years. In 1999, she was appointed archivist for the congregation and served in that capacity until ill health forced her to retire in 2005. She brought the Charism of Gospel Hospitality to life wherever she was sent, and to whomever she encountered. Her quiet presence, sense of humour, compassion and prayerful approach to life made her a trusted friend to many. Her family was always close to her heart. Sister Marie Raymond is survived by her sister, Florence MacDonald; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters, Margaret I. Chisholm, Isabel MacNeil, Mary B.; four brothers, Austin, Bernard, Raymond, Augustine. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com