Florence Nightingale Nearing

Florence Nightingale MacDonald-Nearing of Lake Ainslie passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, surrounded by the love of her daughter, her family and the wonderful staff at Alderwood Rest Home in Baddeck.

Florence was the firstborn of nine children of Gordon and Mary MacDonald. She grew into her self-adopted name – Nightingale – as she possessed a natural instinct to nurture, protect and care for others. Her life-long interest and pursuit of botanical medicine as well as her ability to care and provide healing for those in need regardless of the ailment was demonstrated time and time again. Long before she became a mother and grandmother, Florence was already a steady and loving presence to her siblings - she was not simply a big sister but also a guiding hand, a dependable heart and many times a parent.

Florence spent much of her life in Lake Ainslie - the place that shaped her spirit and provided the canvas for her many artistic talents. In 1966, she moved to Sydney to attend Chez Leon’s Academy of Hair Design where she met her future husband, Greg, an instructor. After her training, she worked at Greg’s salon, The Glow House of Coiffures on Charlotte St., Sydney. From there, she flourished in the world of hair and fashion. She and Greg married in 1968 and moved to Lake Ainslie in 1969 where they opened another salon in their home and built a very successful business providing exceptional hairstyles to her clients – many who travelled far and wide to enjoy her styling talents and buoyant personality. She frequently travelled to tradeshows and seminars finding unique opportunities and all the latest trends which she would bring back to share and apply. She employed many stylists including Florence’s two sisters (Marilyn and Carol Ann) and of course, Lisa always underfoot in the shop doing hair on her Barbies!! As a family, they moved the salon to Whycocomagh in 1996 where she worked for some years with her sister Marilyn and daughter Lisa until her well-deserved retirement.

A gifted hairdresser, gardener and artist, she poured her creativity into every corner of her life—painting vibrant art and creating amazing gardens bursting with flowers, herbs and food. Florence’s creativity filled her home with warmth and meaningful mementos. Cooking was a great passion and she loved to provide delicious healthy meals for many to enjoy. Her fashion sense was unmistakable-distinct, bold and entirely her own. She created beautiful clothes for herself and Lisa and routinely gifted threads to others.

Yet, of all her talents and abilities, her greatest gift was her compassion for others. She fed people when they were hungry, comforted them when they were hurting and laughed with them through life’s joys and sorrows. She cared tirelessly not only for her siblings and friends but especially for her father, Gordon, offering him devoted care throughout his later years. To many in her community, Florence was the person you could always rely on for kindness, a warm bed, a good meal, a babysitter and a cup of tea.

In 2020, Florence faced the challenges of Lewy Body Dementia. She retired to the caring and compassionate community at Alderwood Rest Home where she received unconditional support from staff there. Even as the disease progressed, she remained a bright spark in an often-difficult world. Her spirit—gentle, humorous, resilient—continued to shine through and reminded everyone around her of the deep sense of care she still carried within her.

Florence leaves behind her daughter, Lisa Nearing and husband Greg Nearing as well as her cherished grandson, Taylor Bailey (Brandy) and great-granddaughter, Summer - each a source of immense pride and joy. Florence also leaves behind her siblings: David (Sandra), Marilyn (Gerald), Murdena (Dana), Brenda, Gus (Joan) and Avery. She was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Mary MacDonald as well as her brother, Brian and sister, Carol Ann, Aunt Margaret, brother-in-law Michael and parents- in-law, Vertí and Ernestina.

Her beloved nieces and nephews will now and always have another guardian angel: Adam, Andrew, Ivor, Cyndle, Dylan, Nicholas, Tamzin, Tyler, Abby Kaitlyn, Samantha, Kathleen, Alisha, Brittany, Lyle, Rosalie,Tracy, Ryan, Tyler, Brady, Frankie, Andrew, Carla, Melissa, Juanita. She loved all of them and their beautiful babies. She also loved and was loved by many close cousins and friends that were her family in her heart.

Florence’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, December 27, at the Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre from 1-4pm. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories and celebrate her life – and of course share a cup of tea and some food – she would want that.