MacDonald (nee Ryan), Helen Elaine ~ Helen was surrounded by her family and circled in love throughout her courageous battle with cancer and she passed peacefully on March 7, 2022, to continue on her journey. Helen was born in Pictou to Allie and Katie (Cormier) Ryan. The family later moved to Thorburn where she grew up. Helen graduated from East Pictou High School and the following year enrolled in Saint Martha's School of Nursing where she received her RN degree in 1965. She worked in Kentville, Eastern Maine General Hospital in Bangor, Maine and Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Middleton.

Her husband of 55 years, Gordon; children, Robert, Janice (Bruce) and Peter (Suzanne); and grandchildren, Oliver and Jesse are so grateful to have been such a big part of her life. Her brothers, Tom and David (Rose); sisters, Patricia and Sabine (Tony); sister-in-law, Susan; nieces and nephews and all her extended family have many beautiful memories to cherish. Another circle of love including her parents and her brother Simon awaited Helen the afternoon she passed.

Helen was a founding member of Saint Monica's Catholic Women's League and a faithful volunteer in her parish, serving as Liturgy Chairperson, Lay Reader and Eucharistic Minister. She cherished her relationships with her CWL sisters over many years. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, a faithful and supportive wife, and a loyal friend to many. Her cooking ability was unsurpassed as she provided culinary treasures for both her family and for parish events. Her famous Ice Cream Pie has already been passed down through the generations and will continue to bring great joy for many years to come. Her quiet manner and friendly smile endeared her to many and when she hugged you, you knew she meant it. Helen had an ease about her, and you always felt welcome in her presence. She was accepting of all things that came her way in life right up to the very end.

Helen's family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Paul MacLean who served for many years as her family doctor, and they are grateful for the wonderful care Dr. Leslie Ribeiro provided in Helen's later years. The kindness, care and compassion provided by the nurses and staff at Valley Hospice will be remembered, always. They also have great appreciation for their friends and neighbour's who have provided Mass offerings, food, and loving support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, March 11, at 2 PM in St. Monica's Catholic Church, 41 Connaught Avenue, Middleton, NS with Father Keith Billard and Father Jose Thomas officiating. Masking and hand sanitizing are required. For those unable to attend there will be a live webcast of the mass that will be available for viewing on the funeral home website beginning at 1:55 p.m. AST, Friday, March 11, by selecting the "Live Stream" option at the top of the home page.  As per Helen's requests, cremation has taken place. While there will be no visitation, interment will follow at a later date and there will be a celebration of Helen's life with family and friends at that time.

Donations in Helen's memory can be made to Corpus Christi Parish, Twelve Baskets Food Bank, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com