Rhodena ni'n Dòmhnuill Iain 'ic Mhìcheil D. 'ic Dhòmhnaill Dhotair

Rhodena MacLellan (October 13, 1928 - October 26, 2010) was born and lived all her life in Ottawa Brook, Victoria County. She was descended from MacNeils of Barra, from a particular branch of the family known as ‘the Doctors.’ This name was given to them before they left Scotland, and it is believed that an ancestor had been the seventh son of the seventh son who had healing powers. Belief of the family's healing powers carried down the generations, and still in Rhodena’s time she would be the first called upon if people had medical needs. She also was regularly called upon to say Gaelic prayers for people in the local area when they were dying.

Rhodena married Peter MacLellan (Peadar mac Aonghais ’ic Aonghais Ailein Chaluim) and they had a family of eight. Rhodena’s life centred around the kitchen. When her children were young, she would make traditional meals and bake bread daily. She worked very hard to provide for her family.

In later years, she would perch herself beside the kitchen wood stove to visit and share songs and stories with visitors. She took great interest in local goings on and was a proud member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 124 in Iona. The legion was very important to her as her husband and her brothers-in-law were veterans of WWII.

Rhodena was a respected tradition bearer who enjoyed sharing her knowledge with others. She was quick thinking and had a unique dry wit. She valued a good visit. Her knowledge of local history and genealogical information was vast. Relations and strangers would come to Rhodena’s house to learn more about themselves and their families, and Rhodena would welcome them in and provide them with a good cup of tea and a great amount of information.