Obituary of Raleigh Isabel Grace MacDonald

“Whatsoever things are true, noble, good, and worthy of praise.”

It was a blue, sunny afternoon on March 29, 2026, with friends and family surrounding our sweet daughter, Raleigh Isabel Grace MacDonald, as she passed away in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital. Raleigh was born on August 16, 2005, under those same sunny skies. She was deeply loved by her parents, Ross and Chanda, and her two brothers, Brycen and Gavin.

Raleigh attended Northumberland Regional High School and was a proud Nighthawk for the NRHS Girls Hockey team. Her #7 jersey was her staple throughout her years on the ice as a Subway Select and Nighthawk.  As much as she loved the sport, she cherished the friendships and camaraderie even more.  She completed two proud years at StFX.  Her incredible strength and resilience carried her through a ten-month battle with cancer, a journey no one should ever have to endure.

Raleigh—or "Ral-Mac" as she was affectionately known—was celebrated for her sharp, uncanny sense of humor and infectious wit. She possessed a true zest for life that took her from the peaks of the Rockies to the middle of the rivers. Whether she was soaking up sunny days at the beach, dancing front-row at a concert, or embracing every moment of campus life at StFX, she lived with high energy. Raleigh was at her happiest when surrounded by her enormous circle of friends, effortlessly swapping her skis or skates for rubber boots or a cowboy hat. For Raleigh, life wasn't just a party to attend; it was an adventure to be shared.

Everyone who knew Raleigh knew of her love for her kitties, especially Peaches.  She will be dearly missed by her maternal grandparents, Max and Judy (Miller) Elliott (Saltsprings); and paternal grandparents, Beth Ross-MacDonald (Avondale), and Gary and Mary Gwen MacDonald (Green Hill). She leaves behind a large, loving family including her Aunt Kerry (Dave) Hayward of Barrie, Ontario; uncles Todd (Leo Silva) Elliott of Toronto, Jody Elliott of Ottawa, Tyson (Brooke), Trever, and Tammany Miller; and her cousins Baylea, Cole, Lane, Aria, Ryker, and Caden.  Raleigh also leaves behind her beloved "Pleasant Heights" family—the neighbors who were also family to her, sharing in the joys and adventures of her life since the very beginning.

One of Raleigh’s greatest dreams was to graduate from StFX and receive her X-Ring. That dream came true this past Sunday when she officially became part of the Xaverian Family. We have endless gratitude for Bob Hale and Dr. Andy Hakin, who provided a beautiful X-Ring ceremony at her hospital bedside. Raleigh was always humble and grateful, thanking everyone who did even the simplest thing for her during her illness. Even at the end, her final words were “Thank You” as her X-Ring was placed on her hand. Her courage was strengthened by her faith in her Savior.

We are forever indebted to the Palliative Care Unit, Dr. Horton, and Debbie Williams for their support in her last days, as well as Dr. Colleen O’Sullivan, Dr. Kevin Schnare, Dr. Brian Nocan, Dr. Colin Sutton, and Linda MacNeil for always giving Raleigh hope.

The family will receive visitors 2-5 p.m. Saturday, April 4 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Easter Monday, April 6 in Holy Name Church, Westville.  Interment will be in Durham Cemetery at a later date.

To fellow Xavierians, please wear your X-Ring proudly to the service.

As a former student blood donor at StFX, Raleigh knew the value of this gift.  In her memory, please consider becoming a donor. Donations may also be made to the SPCA or  Durham Cemetery.

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss me – but let me go.

Lovingly written by family.

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