KATHLEEN MACDONALD (MACIVER)

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KATHLEEN MACDONALD (nee MACIVER) Following a long and full life, Kay passed away peacefully on Robbie Burns Day, Saturday, January 25, 2014 at the age of 92 years, after spending a full and happy weekend with family. Kay is survived by her three children, Elaine Mordoch (David Stacey), Douglas (Diane) and Lorna; grandchildren Rebecca, Isaac, Alastair, Callum; great-grandchildren, Essence, Isalya, Euan, Uriah; niece Linda Chubey (Ralph); great-nieces Laurie, Sherri (Emily), and Courtney; nephews Keith and Glenn MacDonald; cousin Murdina, and numerous other relatives. She was predeceased by her husband Douglas Davidson MacDonald; parents, Malcolm and Effie MacIver; sister Ann Cameron; nephew Jim; brother and sister-in-law John and Foye MacDonald, and son-in-law Bob Fehr. Katie Anne (Kay) was born January 14, 1922 on a blustery winter day in the Scottish community of Dunrea, Manitoba to Malcolm and Effie MacIver. Her first language was Gaelic and at an early age she developed a love of her Scottish heritage which she sustained throughout her life. Kay moved to Winnipeg as a young child and grew up in St. James attending Assiniboine and Linwood Schools. She was a lifelong member of the St. James Presbyterian Church, attending rallies and Sunday School events in her youth. After high school, Kay wrote the Civil Service Exam. She was successful and at the age of 17, went to Ottawa to work in the East Block of The Hill' for the Department of External Affairs. After the war, she returned to St. James and married her sweetheart Douglas MacDonald. They resided in St. James close to their families and enjoyed raising their three children together until Kay was widowed and left with three young children, eight, six, and two years of age. She rented a typewriter and with the help of her parents, family, and her strong faith, she polished up her skills to return to the work force. She then began a long career at the Canadian National Railway, culminating as a purchasing agent, which allowed her to raise her children on her own. Kay was a strong role model who worked hard all of her life to give her children a full and happy childhood and help them to do their best. She continued to do this with her grandson Isaac with whom she shared her home during his childhood years. Kay had a love of language, and enjoyed poetry, reading poems to her young children. She studied Spanish, practiced Tai Chi for many years and created beautiful gardens of flowers and vegetables. She enjoyed her kitchen, cooking and baking many delicious meals and treats for family; often exploring new recipes. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge for many years wherein she worked to increase early recognition and treatment for childhood amblyopia. She enjoyed many trips with her lodge friends, trips to Victoria to visit Lorna, and visited Scotland and Hawaii with her family. Kay particularly loved the outdoors, always appreciating a beautiful sunset, enjoying the birds, the warm sun, Grand Beach, Kerr Lake, Gimli and the English Garden. She was fond of pets and enjoyed them immensely throughout her life. In her later years she loved to go for drives, listen to music, and watch Hockey Night in Canada with Doug, who always made her laugh. She continued to want to help out as she could and go to church as she was able. Most importantly, Kay loved being surrounded by family. Special thanks to Cindy, Kay's long time hairdresser, community nurses Cathy and Mary, the Crafty Ladies of the St. James Presbyterian Church, who provided friendship and shared their faith, Kathryn who visited and kept Kay in her prayers, caregivers Sheila and Cherry, and the personal care staff of the 4th floor of the Golden West Centennial Lodge, particularly Darlene and Kate (community program) who always helped her to find the joy in life. Kay's Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. James Presbyterian Church, 1476 Portage, 204-783-1133, conducted by Rev. Margaret Mullin. Donations in Kay's memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, Canadian Wildlife Federation or the St. James Presbyterian Church. Mol an latha math mu oidhche. Praise the good day at the close of it. (Gaelic Proverb)

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2014