Obituary for Maureen MacDonald
With broken hearts our family announces that Maureen, our treasured Mum and Nannie/Nana, succumbed to COVID-19 on Saturday March 13, 2021. Maureen had so often defiantly beaten all odds and had coped so admirably with many serious health issues and limitations throughout most of her 95 years, but this foe proved too mighty to battle. She has truly earned eternal peace and goes to join Angus, her beloved husband of 66 years, parents Gladys and Frank, brother Frank (Betty), her infant brother John, granddaughter Michele, and sons-in-law Bill and Jim.
Left to mourn her are her children Sheelagh, Frank, Jenny, Angus, thelma (John), Ross, and Amanda and their extended families, and Gloria.
The memory of her warm transformative smile will remain fondly with all who knew her; it had a hint of cheekiness, instantly letting you know, "I'm alive and so grateful for your visit!" She carried herself with dignity and in later years was grateful to those who assisted her in meeting her standards.
Maureen was an insatiable learner whose intellect and boundless interest in general knowledge, made her informed, fair-minded, tolerant, and resourceful; she could instantly recall, in great detail, events from decades ago, name Latin names for wildflowers, routes for travels or walks, recipes for breads, and ways to source information. She always worked tirelessly and earnestly and she respected the talents everyone provided. Her grandchildren's endeavours and studies were supported.
She loved animals, was an avid collector and organizer of curiosities, momentos, and documents. Despite a busy household, Maureen could find anything without hesitation. She found new technologies and discoveries endlessly fascinating and keenly watched an eclectic array of documentaries and quality programmes. World events and trends were followed closely and her mind remained razor sharp through all her days. Maureen budgeted expertly to make sure reference books were available to her children and she instilled in them a love for the arts, nature, and community service.
Opinions and judgments were withheld, making her a discreet confidant to friends (especially dear neighbours), her co-workers, and family. Maureen welcomed anyone who dropped by. She'd whip together a feast and a pot of tea, engaging guests in conversation to learn about their unique character. Because she faithfully corresponded with dear friends around the world as well as around the corner, the walls were festooned with cards hung on strings and tinsel garlands at Christmastime.
This English girl's passion for music fueled aspirations to become a classical pianist or violinist; but WWII broke out and life took a different course. She enlisted in the ATS with her friend Iris to serve king and country and met a handsome Nova Scotian in the Canadian Army stationed nearby. They married, Joan by her side, and began their arduous yet determined journey together between two continents. Angus' own family of 15 and their families brought her joy and support throughout her life.
Maureen cherished all her nieces and nephews. She proudly identified dually as British and Canadian. Her Catholic faith was a deep, abiding one
yet strains of old Anglican hymns remained dearest to her. Classical music gave her solace all her days. Rarely has anyone shown greater courage, calm, perseverance, and determination.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private memorial service will be held at Marshall Funeral Home at 11:00 on Wednesday March 17, 2021. For those
unable to attend, please visit Marshallfuneralhome.com to watch the service live.
Burial will follow immediately at St.John's Cemetery, Newmarket.
The list of ideas for donations is a lengthy one reflecting the many causes Maureen supported. Kindly, in lieu of flowers, consider: WNED PBS, TVO, The Arthritis Society, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Salvation Army, The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 375 of which she was proudly a life-long member)or Branch 426, The Cancer Society, and Southlake Residential Care Village or Hospital.
A note of profound thanks to the team at "SLV", especially to her long-time, much-loved and dedicated nurse, Ahmad, who, with a fine team, tenderly helped mum and all of us through this most difficult time.
Left to mourn her are her children Sheelagh, Frank, Jenny, Angus, thelma (John), Ross, and Amanda and their extended families, and Gloria.
The memory of her warm transformative smile will remain fondly with all who knew her; it had a hint of cheekiness, instantly letting you know, "I'm alive and so grateful for your visit!" She carried herself with dignity and in later years was grateful to those who assisted her in meeting her standards.
Maureen was an insatiable learner whose intellect and boundless interest in general knowledge, made her informed, fair-minded, tolerant, and resourceful; she could instantly recall, in great detail, events from decades ago, name Latin names for wildflowers, routes for travels or walks, recipes for breads, and ways to source information. She always worked tirelessly and earnestly and she respected the talents everyone provided. Her grandchildren's endeavours and studies were supported.
She loved animals, was an avid collector and organizer of curiosities, momentos, and documents. Despite a busy household, Maureen could find anything without hesitation. She found new technologies and discoveries endlessly fascinating and keenly watched an eclectic array of documentaries and quality programmes. World events and trends were followed closely and her mind remained razor sharp through all her days. Maureen budgeted expertly to make sure reference books were available to her children and she instilled in them a love for the arts, nature, and community service.
Opinions and judgments were withheld, making her a discreet confidant to friends (especially dear neighbours), her co-workers, and family. Maureen welcomed anyone who dropped by. She'd whip together a feast and a pot of tea, engaging guests in conversation to learn about their unique character. Because she faithfully corresponded with dear friends around the world as well as around the corner, the walls were festooned with cards hung on strings and tinsel garlands at Christmastime.
This English girl's passion for music fueled aspirations to become a classical pianist or violinist; but WWII broke out and life took a different course. She enlisted in the ATS with her friend Iris to serve king and country and met a handsome Nova Scotian in the Canadian Army stationed nearby. They married, Joan by her side, and began their arduous yet determined journey together between two continents. Angus' own family of 15 and their families brought her joy and support throughout her life.
Maureen cherished all her nieces and nephews. She proudly identified dually as British and Canadian. Her Catholic faith was a deep, abiding one
yet strains of old Anglican hymns remained dearest to her. Classical music gave her solace all her days. Rarely has anyone shown greater courage, calm, perseverance, and determination.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private memorial service will be held at Marshall Funeral Home at 11:00 on Wednesday March 17, 2021. For those
unable to attend, please visit Marshallfuneralhome.com to watch the service live.
Burial will follow immediately at St.John's Cemetery, Newmarket.
The list of ideas for donations is a lengthy one reflecting the many causes Maureen supported. Kindly, in lieu of flowers, consider: WNED PBS, TVO, The Arthritis Society, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Salvation Army, The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 375 of which she was proudly a life-long member)or Branch 426, The Cancer Society, and Southlake Residential Care Village or Hospital.
A note of profound thanks to the team at "SLV", especially to her long-time, much-loved and dedicated nurse, Ahmad, who, with a fine team, tenderly helped mum and all of us through this most difficult time.