Mary Peter Macdonald

Peacefully, Sunday June 26, 2011, “Medicare Mary” passed away.

Mom is survived by: her sister Rita, of Sydney, Nova Scotia; seven children Glenda (Richard) Nieman, Carole (Wilson) Olive, Flora (Thomas) Waller, Ian (Annette) MacDonald, Peter (Rosalind) MacDonald, Deanna (Don) Trevena and Angus MacDonald; her precious grandchildren Wayne, Andrea, Marnie, John, Scott, Brittany, Danny, Kristie Anne and Sean as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Gus; parents Elizabeth MacLean and Dan Y MacNeil; her siblings Elizabeth (Bessie), Neil R, Andrew, Laura, Archie, Willie and Michael.

Born in Cape Breton, she and Gus came to Saskatchewan in 1945 at the invitation of Tommy Douglas.

Mom had an interesting life living in Sri Lanka, Italy, Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia supporting dad’s work in international development. She was an excellent ambassador for the United Nations and dad often said that mom helped make his career a success.

Mom loved politics and was a tireless crusader for the New Democratic Party. She was often referred to as “Medicare Mary” because of her involvement with starting the first Community Clinic in Prince Albert. She also was a firm believer that if the Co-op didn’t have it you didn’t need it. Mom was a woman of faith who fervently prayed daily for her family and friends.

The Funeral Mass for Mary was held at Holy Spirit Parish (Saskatoon, SK) on Thursday June 30, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. celebrated by Very Reverend Fr. Ron Beechinor. Intermentl followed at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our website www.acadiamckaguesfuneralcentre.com Arrangements were entrusted to Acadia-McKague’s Funeral Centre 955-1600.