Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that the immediate, and the family away from home of Danena MacKinnon (nee MacQuarrie) announces her passing at the St. Therese Health Care Centre, St. Paul, Alberta, on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the age of 82 years. She will be dearly missed by her families and friends, from Inverness, Mallaig and Sunnyside Manor in St. Paul. Danena was born on July 4,1941 in Inverness, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to her parents, Malcolm Lane MacQuarrie & Elizabeth Jane “Janet” (nee MacLellan) MacQuarrie, Kenloch, Nova Scotia. Danena is predeceased by her loving husband, Malcolm Murray MacKinnon (1940-2006); father, Malcolm Lane (1897-1982); mother, Janet (1918-1999); brothers, Joseph MacQuarrie “Brother Lawrence” (1930-2006) & Stanley Alexander MacQuarrie (1937-2009); sister, Abby Lane MacDonald (1960-2023); nephew, Callum MacQuarrie (1973-2021); & grandnephew, Brad MacArthur (1992-2023). Danena is survived by her immediate MacQuarrie family, Angus (Mabel) of Strathlorne, NS; Floanna (Al) Chisholm of Inverness, NS, Lauchie (Millie Odo) of Inverness, NS, Alex (Wilena) of Inverness, NS, Cecil (Mary Anderson) of Strathlorne, NS & Cameron (Clare) of Inverside, NS. Danena is also survived by her close extended family, Elizabeth, Claude, Jenna, Mikayla, Caitlyn & Suzanne Mathiot of Mallaig, AB.
Danena began her nursing career at the Inverness County Memorial Hospital in the early 1960’s and with several of her close confidants decided to move to the “Big City”,Toronto, to explore and further develop her career in Nursing. While working and advancing her opportunities, Danena also found love. In the midst of the Toronto nightlife she met and eventually married her neighbour from Scotsville, a ”Love Story”, Cape Breton style. Danena & Malcolm “Mac” lived in Toronto until 1974 when they moved to Mallaig, AB. They made their home and forged lasting supportive relationships with many friends & neighbours. Mac died in 2006. Danena remained in their home in Mallaig until 2021 when she moved to Sunnyside Manor in St. Paul where she made many more friends and lasting relationships.
Danena’s families from Cape Breton & Mallaig, extend their appreciation to all the health care providers at the St. Therese Health Care Centre, St. Paul, for their compassionate care during her final weeks. A special thank you to all Danena’s friends from Mallaig & the Sunnyside Manor who came to visit her in time of poor health. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 22 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel, St. Paul, Alberta with Pastor Kelly Sibley officiating. Cremation to follow with inurnment at a later date in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Those wishing to view the service online may do so by Livestream by clicking the Live Service tab above. A recording of the service will also be made available. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice c/o 5626-51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1. To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.

GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677