Obituary of Sondra Grace Lank

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sondra Grace (MacDonald) Lank at the age of 86 on January 17, 2025 at Valley View Villa. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. Sondra was born on October 28,1938 in New Glasgow to Absalom (Snooky) and Myrtle MacDonald. She grew up in Thorburn and was a special grandchild to Alex and Grace MacDonald, spending many weekends on their farm. Her grandmother taught her the value of making pickles and jams and every year Sondra couldn’t wait until the strawberries were ready so that she could begin the preserving season. You never left Sondra’s house without a care package of pickles and jam, and if you were really lucky a jar of “bits and bites”. When Sondra was 19, she met the love of her life Ronald (Mike) Lank. Our parents spent 54 wonderful years together before Dad’s passing in 2013. Sondra is survived by her children Karen MacLeod, Anne MacGregor, Sue Lank, Ronald (Valerie) Lank, David (Michelle) Lank and Michael (Susan) Lank; her two brothers Ernest (Connie) MacDonald and Greg (Kim) MacDonald; sister Grace (John) Maxwell; Sister-in-Law Carol MacDonald; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers Alastair, Clarence (Cuddy), Ivor and her sister Maureen. Sondra’s family was the centre of her life. We have wonderful memories of a full house at Sunday dinners and peanut butter sandwiches for the neighbourhood. Later, when we returned home for a visit, we were always guaranteed our favorite supper – meatballs and rice being one of the favorites! Christmas was Sondra’s favorite holiday and she made it very special for us growing up. Every family member, and half the neighborhood, had their pre-Christmas baking package filled with squares and scotch cookies. Then there was Christmas eve. Everyone’s favorite snacks and again, open to all, family and friends and quite often, attended by the merry old elf himself and in later years, even Mrs. Claus. Sondra ensured every family member had a special hand knitted Christmas stocking and we will think of her always when we hang them up at Christmas. Mom was a strong woman with a positive attitude. She taught us to always find the good side of things. She was kind and helpful to anyone in need and a good friend to everyone. The “Hoodies” have warm memories of their many adventures as Sondra was always game for anything. As well as being a mom, Sondra worked at various places, most notably Zellers and Abercrombie Variety. In her later years, she worked with Larry & Leon (Pantry Kitchen). Whatever Sondra did, she did it well and made many lasting friendships. We would like to thank the staff at Valley View Villa. They were so kind and caring. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Little Harbour Community Centre, Thursday, Jan 23, from 6pm to 8 pm. Donations in Memory of Sondra may be made to Valley View Villa Recreation Fund, The Nova Scotia Heart and Stroke Foundation or by sharing an act of kindness. “Being a family means you are part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved forever.” We love you, Mom. XOXO