A valiant veteran – RCAF(WD), Flight Sgt., Code and Cypher Specialist, Enigma and Ultra Secret: An esteemed educator, nurturer of exceptional children (Ottawa); introducer of Family Life Education (Victoria); and volunteer extraordinaire for the Canadian Club of Victoria, Retired Teachers of Ontario, Canadian Cancer Society, First Metropolitan United Church and many more. A full and good life of 101.5 years has ended.
Left to carry on her legacy are her ever loving daughter, Catherine Ann and ten nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald McDonald and six brothers and sisters including three centenarians.
A Memorial Service will be held at First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Road, Victoria on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 1:30PM.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Club of Victoria’s Camosun College Bursary or the Canadian Cancer Society-BC and Yukon Div. would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Debbie Marshall
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Kevin Nishimura What a profound woman. Her legacy lives on in a her support for family,friends, her church, and her community involvement. I always enjoy her humor and politics, her passion and committment. She will be missed. My condolences to the immediate family and all those she shared so many memories with.
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Shirley & Norm Carelius Dear Catherine
We will miss your mother very much as she has been a part of Barefoot Place
as long as we have been here.
A wonderful, interesting and giving lady.
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Chris & Emily Mohr What a privilege it has been to get to know Aunt Irene. She will be dearly missed. Sending lots of love.
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Barbara Strachan The word “remarkable” has been repeatedly used to describe Irene McDonald, and rightly so for the many reasons indicated in previous messages of condolence. She will be greatly missed by relatives, friends, colleagues and especially by her daughter Catherine. I personally will miss her knowledge, her generous spirit, her advice and her wit. Rest peacefully, Irene.
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Michael King Dear Catherine,
She was an amazing woman! Your in my thoughts during this time.
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Beverley and Don Wilden Don and I met cousin Irene when we moved to Victoria in 1990. She made a point of finding us and informing us we were family. Thus began a kinship that we valued greatly. She was a remarkable person, who accomplished so much during her life. Her clear thinking, great mind and laughter will be missed. We were fortunate to have known her.
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Janet Leffek Dear Catherine, We have been special friends, as well as cousins, since Ken and I arrived in Ottawa in 1959, on our first wedding anniversary. Irene and Donald had invited us to stay with them when we arrived, and so we did, beginning a friendship that has lasted and deepened over 60 years. I will miss Irene so much. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her, and miss her good advice in so many situations. She was a marvellous hostess, and generous to a fault. Her ability in the classroom was second to none, as was her advice on teaching – and everything else! My love to you, Catherine, in your great loss. Janet
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Ken Leffek When I arrived in Canada more than 59 years ago to take up a position in Ottawa, Irene and Donald took us into their home and got us established in Ottawa.
Since that time we have had a special and highly valued relationship with her. We shall miss her very much and never forget her.
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Terry Dance-Bennink I had the honour of helping Irene reflect
on her life, as published in ”Stories United – Harvesting Elders’ Wisdom”. She’s been a mentor and role model for me and many others. I will never forget her indomitable spirit. I will miss her but trust she’ll continue to inspire us.
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Leah Hollins Dear Catherine. What a wonderful life lived. She made a difference in many lives. I know you will miss her very much. Leah Hollins
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Van Buchanan It was my privilege to have known Irene. The world is a lesser place without her. Irene accomplished what we all aspire to: make the world a better place.
My sincere condolences to Catherine and the family of which she was so proud.
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Marian Knock Cousin Irene was without equal. I met her as an adult and from my first meeting I was impressed by her clear and informed mind. She loved talking politics, was an ardent Liberal supporter and a loyal and devoted Canadian. Irene did not suffer fools lightly and when engaging in a discussion with her one had to talk facts and know what she or he was talking about. I feel very lucky to have known her.
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Jim knock In our journey through life, we are fortunate if we meet a few exceptional people and more fortunate if we can call them ‘friend’. I feel blessed that I was able consider Irene to be such a person in my life.
Her poise, wisdom and interpersonal skills were exceptional to the end. She was a formidable debater and bridge player. You never could take her lightly.
She will be missed and not easily forgotten.
Jim Knock
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Tricia Horne Catherine, Please accept my condolences on the death of your mother Irene. I have bee fortunate to have been associated with her in our many endeavours together at & for The Canadian Club of Victoria. I will be making a donation to our club’s Bursary in her memory. With my deepest sympathy, Tricia Horne
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Alison Campbell To Catherine and all the nieces and nephews:
Your Mother and Aunt brought joy to many, always lived life to the fullest, and never ceased to strive to perfect her bridge game. May there be many successful games for her in heaven.
Alison Campbell
Bridge Mentor, partner and friend.
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Alison Reid Catherine and family. My deepest sympathies on the passing of your mom, aunt and friend to many. Alison Reid
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Sheelagh McCout Dear Catherine,
Your Mother, my Aunt Irene made a difference in this world all her life. She gave of her talents and made the world a better place. I loved her, and you – will miss her good counsel and great stories. Love to you now and always,Sheelagh, Ken and family.
I believe I have a photo of Margaret in her RCAF uniform. I wonder if her daughter would like a copy of it. Best, Debbie Marshall, historian