Myra Isabel MacDonald

She follows those honourable members of our family that have left us already and joins them in their eternal rest and peace; Her parents Flora and Robert Bruce, her husband Tom, her sisters and spouses; Catherine (Clark) Carrothers, Eileen (Bob) MacKay, Una (Dan) Martineau, her brother, Bayne Bruce. And those who remain to wait and remember. Beth Bruce, Linda (Bill) Murray, Beverly (Tom) McLean. Her departure has also changed the lives of her two children John (Yvonne Racine) MacDonald and Ruth (Matt, dec) Christenson and her 3 adoring grandchildren (of whom she was so very proud), Bjarne, Rowan and Éowyn, lovingly known as Mamie. She had many nieces and nephews and ever so many great nieces and nephews. Each of whom she kept in her prayers and always took joy in hearing of their accomplishments and life milestones.

Myra's life was a history book! She was born in McLennan during and lived through the depression. Lived and worked on a farm with her family. When the farm was sold, she helped operate the switchboard in McLennan. She and other young girls knitted squares as part of a project that sent blankets to front line soldiers during WWII. Her family owned a Model A Ford. Myra walked nearly everywhere she went. She worked during summers picking strawberries for 1/4 cent a box! She also worked for the summer American families and wealthy Canadians who had cottages along the North Channel. She attended one room schools and later, Soo Collegiate. She and her sisters had to board in the Soo from the age of 14! Myra went to teachers college and continued a long tradition of the women in our family who took up teaching as a calling. We can't imagine the rigamarole to which young ladies were expected to conform; hat and gloves, stockings and heels, deportment—whatever that means! She began teaching in 1953 at King Edward School in the Soo. She married. She taught at Dacey, Clergue and eventually, Laird—where she finished her career in 1988. 35 Years of teaching! 30 kids in each class. At least 1000 children directly influenced by her kindness and compassion for education (including her own children). Myra worked hard to support those who needed extra help. She upheld the underdogs. She remembered them all! In particular, she taught Phil and Tony Esposito!

She retired but still remained active in her community and church as well as being a steady, active influence and calming presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She loved participating in the UCW hosted events; turkey dinners, pie/bake sales and other church and community gatherings.

Myra loved art and took up painting after she retired and gained great skill at painting on porcelain plates. She went to many conferences and workshops and learned the craft well enough that she participated in the Sylvan Circle for many years. Her works are treasured by her family and friends.

She knew the names, habits and tracks of most wild animals. She knew the names and uses of wild plants and taught us about them on our frequent outings. She loved to walk/hike, ski, snowshoe and swim. Myra loved to garden and passed that love along to her children and grandchildren. She thought nothing of walking to a neighbours house or to church. It was a quiet and pleasant time for her to be slow and steady in an ever hurried world. She knew the value of living a simple life and was content to do so.

Myra was patient. She listened. She watched. She didn't panic. She helped. She made a difference. She showed us how. She will be so very deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life and interment will be announced at a later date. The family would be grateful for memorial donations to any charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East; 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com