Margaret Gail (MacDonald) Parsons

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, Margaret Gail Parsons, age 75, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Northside General Hospital.

Born in North Sydney on April 7, 1950, Gail was the daughter of the late William and Mary (White) MacDonald Spencer.  

Gail dedicated many years to her work in office administration, beginning with CBRTGW Local #285, later spending ten years working in Western Canada. She finished her career at the Northside Community Guest Home. No matter where she worked, Gail was known for her warm smile, and caring nature.

Above all else, Gail’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to her loving husband, John, and a proud and supportive mother to her daughter Melissa Parsons and her son Craig (Lisa) Parsons. Her eight grandchildren — Riley, Dryden, Aunaka, Ethan, Abby, Alexander, Lanasia, Sage and great-granddaughter Graham — were the light of her life. She treasured every moment spent with them, and her love will forever live on in their hearts.

Gail is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Bill MacDonald, Patricia Ben, Angie (Reg) Farrell, Ray (Barbara) MacDonald, and Mary Arlene (Jim) Aitken, brothers-in-law Myles (Claudette), Gerald, and sisters-in-law Ann Parsons, Beth (Jim) Laffin, Kathy (Jimmey) Day along with many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents and by her sons John in 2024 and Ryan in infancy, brothers-in-law Bob Parsons, Bob Ben, step father Patrick Spencer and her lifetime friend Claire Gillis.  

Gail will be remembered for her strength, her deep love for her family, and the quiet kindness she showed to everyone she met. Her presence filled a room with comfort, and her absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled.

Visitation for Gail will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28th at the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon David Lewis officiating. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bras d’Or, at a later date.

The family welcomes online condolences on the tribute wall at www.wjdooley.com.

Gail’s love was the foundation of her family, and though she is gone from our sight, she will forever remain in our hearts.

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