Catherine Joan Macdonald

Catherine Joan Macdonald, affectionately known to all as Cathy, passed away peacefully with family by her side on September 24th following a sudden brain aneurysm. Despite her tragic and untimely passing, Cathy’s utter enthusiasm for all of life’s opportunities provided her with more than a lifetime of experiences. It was a happy life well lived. Each and every person whose life she touched will never forget her incredible kindness and spirit.

Born in Chatham, Ontario in 1956, Cathy grew up with the small town value of treating everyone she met as a neighbour - with warmth, respect and generosity. Attending the University of Western Ontario, she met her husband James (Jamie) Macdonald with whom she shared 40 incredible years, and had three amazing children - Fraser, Scott and Margo. She is also survived by her mother Joan Oke, sisters Carolyn Langill and Stephanie Oke, brother Brian Oke (and wife Gisele Quesnel-Oke) and was predeceased by her father Russell Oke. She will also be missed by her brother and sister-in-law Tim and Bonnie Macdonald and many nieces and nephews.

Cathy's career included a wide variety of roles as well as volunteer positions within the church and the wider community, including many years teaching piano and managing the Coyote's Den, the campus store at Crescent School which her sons attended. At various times she volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society, Eglinton St. George's United Church and the schools of each of her children.

Friends and family will always remember her love for music and skill at the piano; she was often found leading all those around her in song. Cathy will also be remembered for her humour and wit and her ability to quickly build a deep connection with everyone she met. Cathy's boundless energy and love of adventure led her to many unforgettable experiences, including hiking trips in the Himalayas and the highlands of northern Vietnam, paddling expeditions through the Northwest Territories, singing with her church choir in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and spending a month living with a family in Provence, France to improve her French.

Cathy's family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Sunnybrook Hospital who looked after her in her final days.

A celebration of her life will take place at EGLINTON ST. GEORGE’S UNITED CHURCH, 35 Lytton Blvd, at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 30th. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (http://tinyurl.com/zhtkfsc) would be appreciated. Online condolences can be made at www.trullfuneralsyonge.com