Patricia Ann McDonald

Age 70, of Bedford, passed away peacefully in QEII Health Sciences Centre, in Halifax, after a long and courageous battle. Born and raised in Montreal, she was the adopted daughter of the late James and Morggie Miles (of Verdun, Que.).

She was predeceased by adoptive siblings: brother, Raymond; sister, Audrey (Martin); brother, Corby (Joyce); brother, Gary; and survived by loving husband of 49 years, John; sons, Kevin, Craig (Tracy), Todd (Ashley); granddaughter Makayla; foster sister, Barbara (Low) Bradley of Ajax, Ont., and sister-in-law, Joyce. Birth mother, Florence Clifton, Hastings Ont., deceased. Survived by half-brother, Fred Ager (Pat) of Bainsville, Ont., and half-sister, Dorothy MacCready of St. Catherine's, Ont.; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces in both families.

Pat was renowned for her generosity, comedy, and determination. She was a passionate and avid volunteer for organizations including: co-founder of the Halifax Walk of Hope and a Board Member of Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC), IWK Children's Hospital, Newcomers, Adsum House, co-founder of New Jersey's first support group for families of bi-polar disorder, and many others. She personally fundraised over $136, 000 for the Halifax Walk of Hope; and the event she co-founded continues today, having raised over $830, 000. She was a past recipient of the National Peggy Truscott Award of Hope. In her honour, OCC has recently named a grant in her name, the Pat McDonald Research Award.

She excelled at everything she did. She was a superb grandmother, mother, wife, and foster parent, accomplished registered nurse, dedicated friend to many, and lover of life, laughter, travel, her bridge and doll clubs, and for the countless silly pranks and jokes she played on so many for so long. The family is eternally grateful to doctors MacNeil, Bentley, and Rayson who were adroit at treating her with hugs as well as drugs. As well as the countless nurses and health care personnel that allowed us to enjoy Pat's love and life for an extra 14 years.

Visitation will be held in J.A. Snow Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive, Halifax, from 2-5p.m. on Friday, February 26th. Funeral service will be in St. Ignatius in Bedford at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 27th, with a reception to follow. Family flowers only. Donations appreciated to Ovarian Cancer Canada, Suite 205, 145 Front Street E, Toronto, ON, M5A 1E3, www.ovariancancercanada.org or a charity of your choice.