22 Oct 2018
Sister Marie Raymond MacDonald, 92, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at Martha Place/Mary’s Court, Parkland Antigonish, on Monday, October 22, 2018. She was in the 69th year of her religious life. Born in Antigonish, the family lived in Ballantyne’s Cove, Antigonish Co., NS. She was the third youngest of ten 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 both St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish, and St. Rita’s Hospital in Sydney; she served as admitting officer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Glace Bay, and at St. Michael’s Hospital in Lethbridge, AB. From 1972 –
1976, Sister lived at St. John’s Hospital in Lowell, MA, 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, BC, 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, Sister was appointed archivist for the Congregation and served in that capacity until ill health forced her to retire in 2005. Sister Marie Raymond 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 were always close to her heart. Sister Marie Raymond is survived by her sister, Florence MacDonald. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by three sisters, Margaret I. Chisholm, Isabel MacNeil and Mary B., and by
brothers; Austin, Bernard, Raymond, and Augustine. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
The remains will be resting at Martha Place, Parkland Antigonish, beginning Wednesday, October 24, at 1:15 p.m. A Celebration of Vigil will be held on the same evening at 7 p.m.
Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in St. Martha Chapel, Parkland Antigonish. Arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Services of Antigonish.