Katherine "Kate" Frances Macdonald

Kate Frances MacDonald, R.D.H., B.S., M.Ed. passed away peacefully at her home in her 88th year. She leaves younger brothers John ( Flossie) and Jim (Helen), four nieces and nephews and six grandnieces and nephews. Predeceased was nephew Reggie. Kate was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to Katherine and Reginald MacDonald but grew up in Souris.

In her early years Kate attended St. Mary’s Convent in Souris and later Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown. Kate completed her R.D.H. at Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists in Boston with her longstanding “Island” friends Cathy Hennessy and Joan Rogerson. She later did her Bachelor of Science in Health Education at Boston University, School of Education and much later completed an M.Ed. in Continuing Education at Dalhousie University, Department of Education.

Kate had a number of early practice settings including the P.E.I. Dept. of Health and the Dept of National Health and Welfare as well as in general and periodontal practices. After a year as Assistant Professor in the School of Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia, and fortunately for Dalhousie, she returned to Dalhousie’s School of Dental Hygiene in the Faculty of Dentistry.

Over her thirty year tenure at Dalhousie Kate served on numerous University and Faculty committees, and professional organizations. She chaired many of them, including becoming president of the then Faculty Club, (now University Club), where there was regular socializing and more art on the walls. She was Director of the School of Dental Hygiene from 1964-68 and from 1969-87 as Associate Professor. Kate became Director of Continuing Dental Education from 1987-1997 when she retired. She immensely enjoyed her time with the Canadian Dental Association Accreditation process conducting surveys in colleges and universities across Canada for many years. She attended annual Dental Education meetings in the US and Canada until her retirement. Skis would be included in the luggage if the meeting was remotely close to a ski hill and even if the meeting location was Las Vegas. She was known as an excellent colleague to work with from all accounts. Kate had several publications in texts and journals and presented numerous papers.

Kate had many circles of good friends: skiing, skating, bridge, yoga and travel. Then there was her faithful group of women friends who always had a birthday to celebrate with fabulous cuisine and red wine. Of course she always looked forward to her trips back to her childhood family home in Souris for extended summer visits, and where close friends travelled for many years to celebrate her May birthday. When her vision started to fail she stopped skiing eight years ago and skating just two and a half years ago. She loved the arts and went to Broadway many times. Her preference was classical music regularly subscribing to Symphony Nova Scotia performances.

Kate was a kind caring soul loyal to dear colleagues and friends and a mentor to colleagues and students alike. She was a strong person who led a long independent productive life.

The indomitable spirit of Kate will live on with us in her inspiration and positive approach to life…and death. We will continue to raise a glass to Kate.

Funeral will be held at a later date in Souris. Donations can be made to the Kate MacDonald Bursary Fund, Office of Advancement, Dalhousie University. www.giving.dal.ca/kate