Florena Newell

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Florena Newell, 100, of Pine Grove, N.S., (formerly of Vogler’s Cove) passed away on December 2, 2023, at home as per her wishes.
Born June 2, 1923 in West Port Joli, Florena was the daughter of John and Grace (Decker) MacDonald. Florena was known to many as Mom, Reanie, Aunt Reanie, and Nanny. She will be sadly missed. 
After finishing school, Florena travelled to St. Catharine’s, Ont., where she worked at McKinnon Industries. She then worked at Fretz Farm in 1944 before moving back home. 
She was married in 1948 to Robert Newell, and after living in Port Mouton for a short while, they moved to Vogler’s Cove in 1952. Robert built R.E. Newell Fisheries with Florena by his side. 
Florena loved telling stories of her childhood in Sandy Bay, including walking along the beaches to go to school and proudly graduating with her grade 11 education. She loved reminiscing about her childhood days at the ‘old house,’ which still stands today as the MacDonald House located within the Thomas Raddall Provincial Park.
Florena was caring and generous, keeping tabs on her family, where they were and what they were doing, and always remembering everyone’s birthday. She loved chatting on the telephone, visits from her family, and attending family gatherings.
Florena is survived by her children: Brian (Jane) Newell, Vogler’s Cove, Bruce Newell, Vogler’s Cove, Rosemary (Peter) Burgess, Port Mouton, and Isabel (Matthew Wile) Newell, Pine Grove. She was ‘Nanny’ to her 12 grandchildren: Amanda, Shona, Sarah, Angela, Alexa, Tina, Tanya, Melissa, Alecia, Kyle, Jessica, and Ilana. She leaves behind her 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 
Predeceased by her husband Robert and daughter Karen Newell, brothers Jasper, Edgar, Leander, Lawrence, Rodrick, Leslie, and Stanley, and sisters Gladys Hayden, Meta (Huskins) Swim, Alma Smith, and Doris Davis. 
Cremation is under the direction of Chandlers Funeral Home, Liverpool, N.S. A funeral service will be held at Chandlers Funeral Home on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Riverhead Road, with a reception to follow at the Port Mouton Hall (West Queens Recreation Centre).  In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honour Florena’s memory may contribute to 1786 Alexander MacDonald Heritage Society to help maintain her beloved childhood home. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com