Obituary of Loretta Pearl MacDougall

Loretta Pearl MacDougall (Sabean) April 12, 1932 – November 1, 2023

It is with deep sorrow we share that our dearest Mom has passed away after a courageous battle with Dementia. She was born in Quincy, Massachusetts to Kenneth and Suzie Sabean. She moved to Nova Scotia in her early years, living in South Range, Digby County until she was a teenager when they moved to Halifax. She attended St. Pat’s High School and worked at Wood Brothers as a bookkeeper. Later after her children were launched, she managed the bookkeeping for Malcolm’s construction business.

Loretta is predeceased by her devoted husband of 66 years, Malcolm (Mac). She is survived by her three children, Beth (Harry) Bruce, Kathy Peters and son, Bruce. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, Nathan (Nicole) Bruce, Katie (Paul) Bracken, Amy Peters and Robyn Peters and great grandchildren, Payton and Beckett Bruce, Lexi and Mac Bracken. She is survived by her only brother, Arthur (Faye) Sabean and her favorite Aunt, Clara McCullough.

Loretta was all about family and was inseparable from Mac, her best friend. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren. It was always a priority to be available to enjoy their visits. Even when she was returning from a trip, she expected the family entourage to greet her at the airport. She enjoyed camping in their motor home and time spent at their homes in Florida and Folly Lake. She loved to travel; many trips were for music events. She treasured her time spent with friends at Fiddle Fests and with Ivan and Vivian Hicks. She played the piano and Mac played the fiddle in a band, the Fiddleheads. They played in many venues but were particularly fond of playing for seniors’ homes.

She was the family matriarch and led with a strong moral compass that she instilled in her family through the “wooden spoon” threat or the look that told you, “Don’t dare go there”. She had high expectations but also practiced what she preached. She was a caregiver to all, particularly the vulnerable. She regularly visited family and friends in nursing homes, taking food and comfort to anyone that she felt needed special attention. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi enjoying many social gatherings and held onto lifelong friendships. She cared deeply about friends and worried constantly about family, always asking for a reassuring phone call when you arrived home safely.

She was a founding church member of Wyndholme Christian Church, devoting over 65 years of her life to the ministry, raising her children and grandchildren there. She taught Sunday School, worked on several international church projects, served on many committees and was a Deacon and an Elder to the congregation. She cherished Wyndholme, it was integral in every aspect of her life and was the foundation of her lifelong beliefs and values.

In her later years, she lived at Parkland and was loved by all who met her. Her caregivers were very fond of her and gave her exceptional care. The family is particularly grateful for the support of the staff in the Enriched Care Unit in Lewis Hall. She was surrounded by love and care. The family would like to send special thanks to Laverne, Olive, Mel, and Flora.

Mom will be dearly missed by her family and close friends. Cremation has taken place. Family burial will take place at a later date.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 6^th, 2 pm at Dartmouth Memorial Gardens and Atlantic Funeral Homes, 767 Main St, Dartmouth, NS B2W 3T9.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Madagascar School Project, https://www.madagascarschoolproject.com/

Johnson Christian Park, http://www.jcpcamp.ca/

West Gore Disciple Church, wgdcoffering@gmail.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).