Patricia Ann Macdonald

Patricia Ann Macdonald, a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbour, passed away at the Health Sciences Centre on January 8, 2017 soon after suffering a serious stroke. She was 85.

Pat was married to Donald Macdonald for 57 years until he passed away in 2008 and her memory is cherished by her children Donald and Barbara. Beloved eldest child, Susan, passed away in 1995. Pat is also mourned by Donald’s wife, Catherine, and their children, Julia and Alexander. She will be missed by her many dear friends, including her PEO sisters and bridge partners.

A lifelong resident of River Heights, she met Don on the tennis courts of River Heights Community Centre and they were married when she was just 19 years old. After graduating from Kelvin High School, she completed two years of university and worked at the St. Paul insurance company before devoting herself to raising her young family.

When the children were still small, the family moved to Waterloo Street where Pat lived for more than 50 years, enjoying her garden, patio and neighbours, including Bruce, Vicky and Lindsay, who the family will always be grateful to for their support to Pat and Don over the years.

When the children were grown, Pat enjoyed a successful career as a sales representative for Britannica educational materials while Don worked managing the pharmacy at Eaton’s downtown store. She was also active in the community, including as a third-generation PEO sister, an organization she faithfully participated in for 59 years.

Pat was a loyal friend and neighbour who loved to have fun and enjoy a party. She was a tremendous conversationalist with a wonderful sense of humour. She took a vital interest in current affairs, especially U.S. politics and could make a story out of the smallest incident in her own life. At the same time, she was also a great listener, taking a genuine interest in the lives of her family, friends and neighbours.

Her qualities also included an unerring sense of style, selecting the perfect outfit for every occasion, as well as a talent for cooking and entertaining. She was a model of healthy aging—taking courses at the University of Winnipeg, tending her cherished garden, driving her car and travelling widely first with Don and then with Barb. She lived well and her memory will be treasured.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at a later date.

For friends who wish to do so, donations may be made in Patricia Macdonald’s name to the Susan Macdonald Memorial Fund of the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, 409 Taché Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6.