Mary McDonald

Mary Elizabeth McDonald

(nee Muir)

Peacefully on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 with family at her side, Mary passed away in the Erickson Personal Care Home at the age of 96 years.

Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband Malcolm in 1964; her parents Alex and Annie Muir; brothers Jim and Campbell; sisters Margaret and Agnes. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Anne (Barry) Paulsen of Erickson; her son Bob (Carole) McDonald of Winnipeg; her grandchildren Doug (Roselle) Paulsen of Winnipeg, Ken (Yvette) Paulsen of Sparwood, BC, Heather Ready of Salmon Arm, BC, Gary McDonald of St. John's, NFLD and Cheryl McDonald of Winnipeg; great grandchildren Rob and Luke Paulsen of Winnipeg, Jaylyn and Bradi Ready of Salmon Arm, BC, Meghan and Carter Paulsen of Sparwood, BC and Brennan McDonald of St. John's, NFLD; sisters-in-law Tillie MacDonald and Norma McDonald of Winnipeg and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was born on the family farm at Elphinstone, MB on March 23, 1914. She took her schooling there and remained at home until her marriage to Malcolm McDonald on January 6, 1937. They resided in many small communities finally settling in Portage la Prairie in 1955. Malcom passed away in 1964. Mary continued living in Portage until she moved to Erickson in 2000. Mom was a great homemaker, a good gardener especially growing roses. She was an expert strawberry and raspberry picker. She loved crafts, and tried everything, her specialty being greeting cards. Every member of her family received a crocheted afghan.

Mom loved her family and was always interested in what was "going on". She was very proud of all their accomplishments. Mom was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she played the organ for many years. She belonged to the Guild, Women's Missionary Society, Order of the Eastern Star Electa Chapter No. 2, and a dedicated volunteer for many organizations. Mom also enjoyed visiting and traveling with her family and friends and going on picnics.

Many thanks to the Erickson Personal Care Home for the wonderful love and care Mom received over the past years. Special thanks to the Palliative Care ladies who provided comfort and care during Mom's last days.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 17 Royal Road S., Portage la Prairie, MB with the Rev. John Zondag officiating.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Mary's memory to the Erickson District Palliative Care, Box 587, Erickson, MB R0J 0P0 or a charity of one's choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel 857-4021 A message can be left in the on-line guest book at www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com