It is with great sadness and heartbreak that we announce the passing of Clarence Seward MacDonald, 93, of Aulds Cove, on Wednesday May 6, 2026, at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish following a brief illness. Born in Mulgrave on August 2, 1932, Clarence was a son of the late John A. and Florence (Decoste) MacDonald. Clarence and his twin sister Clarissa were the youngest of a large family of 11 children.
Clarence married Dora (Mattie) on June 5, 1962, and they began their lifelong journey in the community of Aulds Cove in their house on the hill. They welcomed 4 children over the years and enjoyed the special warmth of a close-knit small community with wonderful neighbours, family and friends. Dad was always so proud and happy of their long marriage of 63 years and loved living his whole life in Aulds Cove.
Dad was truly a humble and kind man who would give the shirt off his back. He was a gentle soul and was always ready to help with a project. He was totally devoted to his family and friends and was strengthened by a strong Christian faith. His wife Dora and his four children were his whole world. And he was so happy when Ryan and Mariah became part of the family. And he was over the moon excited when he became Gramps to Matti Claire and Cianna Rose. He always loved to hear about their accomplishments and was heart broken when Matti passed away recently.
Our Dad shared a long and faithful life with our mom, and after her stroke he took over the household duties and cared for her which enabled them to stay in their home until the present day. Over the past several years, they received support from Home Care as well as care and compassion from their special neighbours Anna and Sharon Burton. Also, their special nephews Anthony, John and Charlie Guthro who helped with the winter plowing, cutting of trees and home repairs. And the “Boucher girls” who visited and brought them treats and goodies as well as special visits from many other nieces and nephews.
Clarence so enjoyed going to Bingo several times a week with his longtime Bingo friends – Carmel and Sharon. And he was even happier if he came with some Bingo winnings! He also loved his “Scratch Tickets.” He enjoyed the outdoors and trout and mackerel fishing at many of the local fishing holes. He was also talented at wood working and hand painted many lawn ornaments for family and friends over the years. Clarence grew up in a musical family, and his talent was playing the piano. In later years, he and his cousin Howard would play at various local concerts sometimes teaming up with the musical boys from Mulgrave. He also loved going to the local ceilidhs to listen to some fiddle music. And over the years, he was a huge fan of the old- time country music jamborees at Nine Mile River.
In earlier years, Clarence worked on the freight boats in Mulgrave, then at Gillies Auto and at Meagher’s Fuels. In his retirement years, Clarnce spent time doing errands and deliveries for his long-time friend John Pettipas. He and John were always on the go to various events and meetings in the local area. Dad would almost always meet up with someone he knew and have a chat. He always took a true interest in people.
Clarence will be forever missed by his wife of 63 years Dora (Mattie), along with his four children, Doreen (Michael) Allison, Kevin, Darlene (Eric) Theurer and David, as well as granddaughter Cianna Rose, step grandchildren Ryan Allison, Mariah (Allison) Sokolic and step great grandchildren Gabriel, Elodie and Beau. He was predeceased recently by his precious granddaughter Matti Claire Allison. And he also was predeceased by his siblings Rose, Johnny, Jean, Joe, Gertie, Ella Mae, Hank (Gregory), Hilda, Fonce and his twin sister Clarissa.
A special thanks to Dr. Glen Gallivan and his assistant Lindsey for their compassionate care over the years as well as the medical team and staff at St. Martha’s Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 2-8pm at Mulgrave and Area Resting Place. Funeral mass with be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11am in St. Lawrence Church, Mulgrave with Father Allan MacPhie assisted by Deacon Berkey Guthro. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the Mulgrave Fire Hall hosted by the St. Lawrence CWL.
The family welcomes donations in memory of Dad to the St. Lawrence CWL Reception Fund or to the Aulds Cove Volunteer Fire Department. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com.
