PEGGY MARY MACDONALD (MONAHAN)

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PEGGY MARY MACDONALD (nee MONAHAN) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Peggy who died peacefully with her family at her side on July 13, 2007, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Peggy is survived by her close cousin Patricia Dunn, her seven children Wendy MacDonald, Dawne McCance (Robert Kroetsch), Sally Longstaffe (Bert), Jake MacDonald (Ann Dowsett Johnston), Dan MacDonald (Debbie), Peter MacDonald (Sherry), Mary Kate Harvie (John). She is also survived by her grandchildren Michael Johnson (Marissa), Mae Johnson (Yves Goulet), Gareth Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Carson McCance, Patrick McCance, Erin McCance (Rob Merello), Scott Longstaffe (Melanie), Heather Longstaffe, Jim Longstaffe, Rob Longstaffe, Caitlin MacDonald, Meghan MacDonald, Erin MacDonald, Kristin MacDonald, Lindsey MacDonald, Carling MacDonald, Duncan MacDonald, Helen Harvie, Peggy Harvie. In addition, the great-grandchildren are Evan Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Julia Johnson, Daniel Goulet, Clara Goulet, Anna Giselle Goulet and Matthew Merello. She was predeceased by her parents, her stepfather Jack Russell, husband Donald Ian Don MacDonald in 2001, a close cousin Dorothy Dixie Bennett, and great-grandchild Mae Lawlor Daniela Merello. Peggy was born in Vancouver on May 22, 1919, the child of Dorothy Mae Lawlor and John Galbraith Monahan. Her safe arrival was greeted with great joy as her parents had lost a sibling Marie at the age of seven months and a baby boy who was stillborn. Referred to as Mom by her children and Nanny by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she grew up in Winnipeg and St. Anne, Manitoba, attending St. Mary's and St. Anne's School. She attended business college and completed an executive secretarial course. She applied to and was hired by her future husband to work at the Winnipeg Electric Company and they were married on June 6, 1941. They honeymooned at Laclu, Ontario, where they would eventually build a cottage and spend many happy summers with their children grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Over the span of 47 years, she raised seven children and assisted in raising 20 grandchildren. She returned to work at Statistics Canada and also completed a Licensed Practical Nursing course. She then decided to return for higher education and obtained a Bachelor of Arts and then a Master of Arts in Canadian History, graduating from St. Paul's College, the University of Manitoba, at the age of 70. While pursuing university studies, she not only fulfilled an educational desire, she also connected with students only a fraction of her age. After Dad suffered a stroke she attended his bedside at Deer Lodge faithfully for four years, never missing a day and constantly ensuring that no stone be left unturned and every detail be attended to in his care. He was the love of her life and his death in 2001 left a tremendous void but she still managed to enjoy trips to Europe, California, Kelowna and Victoria in recent years. Mom's deep religious conviction led her to attend mass on most days and her two recent visits to the Vatican gave her a sense of great joy. Mom (Nanny) lived a full and busy life and she exemplified tremendous strength and unwavering faith. She was humble and self effacing but displayed natural beauty, quiet dignity and simple elegance. She had a special affection for the poor, the disadvantaged and the underdog. She taught us hard work and persistence and she always set high goals and expectations for herself and for others around her. She gave her entire life to her family and was most happy in their presence, always more concerned about their plight than her own. In a large and sometimes unruly family she kept track of every detail, every birthday and every anniversary, recognizing them all right until the end. We count ourselves so blessed to have had her steady influence and constant love and support. God bless you, Mom (Nanny), for everything you gave us. We love you. We will miss your dearly. May you rest in peace. The family would like to express special gratitude to the staff on ward GD4 Health Sciences Centre and special thanks to Dr. Brian Penner for the compassionate care she received over the past month. Also special thanks to Father Michael Koryluk and Father Alan Fogarty for hospital visits and support. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. John Brebeuf Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place, on Friday, July 20, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rossbrook House, 685 Ross, Winnipeg, MB R3A 0M1, or CancerCare Manitoba www.cancercare.mb.ca. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway~783-7211 www.thomsonfuneralhome.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 17, 2007