Obituary of Paula Jane McDonough

We are broken hearted to announce the death of our mum, Paula Jane McDonough (McGinnis) which occurred on July 6, 2022, at the VG Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Born June 29, 1958, mum was a fierce and warm energy who created laughter and comfort for so many.  She is the fourth of nine children, survived by her eight siblings (John, Tom, Mary, Carmel, Geraldine, Eleanor, Christine, and Caroline) and a million nieces and nephews.  She was happiest surrounded by “Dad” (Pat) and her five children Liam (Jen), Jane (TBD), Seamus (Robyn), Malachy (Kayla), and Mairi (Danielle), especially if we were packing up for vacation.

To dad, mum was “Hunny.”  They adored one another and the life they created together.  Mum knew the pain of losing a child, her second daughter, Fiona.  She kept Fiona close to her heart and never let us forget her place in our family.

She adored her role as Gogo to her six grandchildren  (Ronan, Maedoc, Tadhg, Fionn, Maeve, and Eilish) and loved them with a rough and rugged touch.  Mum graduated from St. FX and was proud to flaunt her beloved X ring.  She retired from her career as a mental health nurse to mind her gorgeous grandchildren.  In childcaring, she found meaning, joy, and beauty. Mum loved to care for others… until it cut into happy hour.  She was a proud and loud member of “FFs”—her group of friends—and brought the city’s latest gossip to their weekly meetings.  She will be so missed in the kitchen, dancing to John Prine, stressing over spice levels, and preparing the house for the annual boxing-day-banger.

She had many joys in life, including swooning over Peter Mansbridge, long drives with dad, coffee with her sibs, a good sláinte at Picaroons, reading in the bathtub, and summer weekends in Cambridge Narrows.

Mum will be missed for her consistent ability to make those around her crack up, so, to the reader, please know that mum thinks you are nothing but a “BASTARD!”

Her life will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 12th at the Lily Lake Pavilion from 4-9pm.  In the words of mum, ‘Mon Over.