Obituary of Roddie MacDonnell

MacDonnell, Roderick Albert “Rod”, “Roddie” – age 85, of Enfield, passed away peacefully at home on July 28^th, 2024. Rod was part of the 6^th generation of MacDonnell’s in the East Hants area dating back to 1790. Born to parents Albert “Bert” and Anna (Cole) MacDonnell on March 5^th, 1939, he was a proud lifelong resident of Enfield.

Rod grew up in a large loving family where he would hone his skills as an electrician, working for Western Electric. Midas Electric and Arthur and Conn under the IBEW 625 banner. Rod would meet and later marry the love of his life. Joan MacDonnell (Bruce) in 1965. Together they raised their three children, Elaine (Robert) Giffen, Janice MacDonnell (David), Brent (Bethany) MacDonnell; instilling in them the values of kindness and the importance of family. Rod was an active Chartered member of the Knights of Columbus Enfield Council 11625, an Honorary member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #133 and former member of the Saint Bernards Parish counsel. Experiences that meant the most to Rod were the ones he shared with his family-especially the grandchildren.

Rod was always the life of the party at any family gatherings or reunion with his humor and wit. Rod loved the Blue Jays and watched almost every game. He would also play crib with anyone at any time, knowing the hand count of the opposing player before they laid their cards down.

Rod was survived not only by his wife and children, but by his grandchildren, Riley (Caroline), Olivia (John), Liam (Martine), Hayden (Leah) and Thomas (Riley); sisters, Doreen, Patsy, Bernice, Barbara; brother, Danny (Shirely); sister-in-law, Linda; and  brother-in-law, Tom Condrad.

Rod was also predeceased by siblings, Shirley, Joan, Earl and Dorothy.

The family thanks the care givers who were involved in Rod’s life over the last couple of years, including all our front-line care givers, our special in-home caregiver, Cynthia Edgett and Dr Ezomo.

Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held on Wednesday July 31st from 5-8 pm at Ettinger Funeral Home, 860 Hwy 2, Elmsdale, NS. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bernards Catholic Church, Enfield, Thursday August 1st 11:00 am. A celebration of life will take place after at the Royal Canadian Legion, Enfield Branch #133.

A livestream of the event will be available by clicking on “View Service Here” next to the obituary of the funeral home website or directly at this link: 

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=7280fa41-72f3-4e6a-a488-6f8b79ca5877

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Prayer Wall Plaque Fund to replace the windows at St Bernards or a charity of your choice.

Tributes words of comfort and memories of Roddie may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com