KATHLEEN MacDONALD
(nee MacIVER)
Following
a long and full life, Kay passed away peacefully on Robbie Burns Day, Saturday,
January 25, 2014 at the age of 92 years, after spending a full and happy
weekend with family.
Kay
is survived by her three children, Elaine Mordoch (David Stacey), Douglas
(Diane) and Lorna; grandchildren Rebecca, Isaac, Alastair, Callum; great
grandchildren, Essence, Isalya, Euan, Uria: niece Linda Chubey (Ralph); great
nieces Laurie, Sherri (Emily), and Courtney; nephews Keith and Glenn MacDonald;
cousin Murdina; and numerous other relatives.
She was predeceased by her husband Douglas Davidson MacDonald; parents,
Malcolm and Effie MacIver; sister Ann Cameron; nephew Jim; brother and
sister-in-law John and Foye MacDonald; and son-in-law Bob Fehr.
Katie
Anne (Kay) was born January 14, 1922 on a blustery winter day in the Scottish
community of Dunrea, Manitoba to Malcom and Effie MacIver. Her first language was Gaelic and at an early
age she developed a love of her Scottish heritage which she sustained
throughout her life. Kay moved to Winnipeg as a young child and grew up in St.
James attending Assiniboine and Linwood Schools. She was a lifelong member of
the St. James Presbyterian Church, attending rallies and Sunday school events in
her youth. After high school, Kay wrote the Civil Service Exam. She was
successful and at the age of 17, went to Ottawa to work in the East Block of
‘The Hill’ for the Department of External Affairs. After the war, she returned to St. James and
married her sweetheart Douglas MacDonald. They resided in St. James close to
their families and enjoyed raising their three children together until Kay was
widowed and left with three young children, 8, 6, and 2 years of age. She rented a typewriter and with the help of
her parents, family, and her strong faith, she polished up her skills to return
to the work force. She then began a long career at the Canadian National
Railways, culminating as a purchasing agent, which allowed her to raise her
children on her own.
Kay
was a strong role model who worked hard all of her life to give her children a
full and happy childhood and help them to do their best. She continued to do this with her grandson
Isaac with whom she shared her home during his childhood years. Kay had a love of language, and enjoyed
poetry, reading poems to her young children. She studied Spanish, practiced tai
chi for many years and created beautiful gardens of flowers and vegetables. She
enjoyed her kitchen, cooking and baking many delicious meals and treats for
family; often exploring new recipes. She was a member of the Rebekahs Lodge for
many years wherein she worked to increase early recognition and treatment for
childhood amblyopia. She enjoyed many trips with her lodge friends, trips to Victoria
to visit Lorna, and visited Scotland and Hawaii with her family. Kay
particularly loved the outdoors, always appreciating a beautiful sunset,
enjoying the birds, the warm sun, Grand Beach, Kerr Lake, Gimli and the English
Garden. She was fond of pets and enjoyed them immensely throughout her life. In
her later years she loved to go for drives, listen to music, and watch Hockey
Night in Canada with Doug, who always made her laugh. She continued to want to help out as she
could and go to church as she was able. Most importantly, Kay loved being
surrounded by family.
On
Saturday, February 1, 2014 Kay’s Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in
the St. James Presbyterian Church, 1476 Portage Avenue, with Rev. Margaret
Mullin, presider.
Special
thanks to Cindy, Kay’s long time hairdresser, community nurses Cathy and Mary,
the Crafty Ladies of the St. James Presbyterian Church, who provided friendship
and shared their faith, Kathryn who visited and kept Kay in her prayers,
caregivers Sheila and Cherry, and the personal care staff of the 4th
floor of the Golden West Centennial Lodge, particularly Darlene and Kate
(community program) who always helped her to find the joy in life.
Donations
in Kay’s memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, Canadian Wildlife
Federation or the St. James Presbyterian Church.
Mol
an latha math mu oidhche.
Praise
the good day at the close of it.
(Gaelic Proverb)
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 – 897 - 4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel
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