Barbara June Macdonald

It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara June Macdonald announces her passing on Monday, July 30, 2018. Born on June 8, 1935, Barbara was 83 years old. She had a wonderful life that ended with a lengthy stay at the Niagara Health Services St. Catharines Hospital. As many of you know, Barbara went into hospital for emergency surgery on June 9, only to be faced with numerous complications that eventually lead to respiratory failure.

Barbara‘s was a life well lived.

Having grown up in Toronto, she graduated from Jarvis Collegiate and went on to study Physio and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, class of 1956.

Her first professional assignment was to the St. Catharines General Hospital in their Physiotherapy department. She boarded in the house of Mrs. Muir along with other young women in the St. Catharines community.

One of Barbara’s many great adventures was a cross-continent road trip with her friend Gillian. They packed themselves into a Volkswagen and drove out to California together, often sleeping on the ground at various stops along the way. A highlight of the trip was a bounty of avocados from Oxnard, California.

In 1958 she married Norman David Macdonald, a young new architect in town. They enjoyed so many things together before and after the birth of their two children, Alexandra (Karen Brown) and Malcolm Macdonald, and their grandchildren Marissa, Cameron, and Ian. Together with Norman she enjoyed Scottish Country Dancing, St. George’s Anglican Church, YM/YWCA, the William Morris Society, the Canadian Canal Society, the St. Catharines Historical Society, the St. Catharines Public Library, the Tennis Club, and… more than can possibly be mentioned here.

Barbara was a member of the Bishop Beattie Fellowship, the Altar Guild, and the Red Hats (a local group). She served as a docent at Rodman Hall, she was a volunteer with the Parkinson’s Society, and she was part of a wonderful group of swimming ladies. Barbara was a lifelong learner. She continued her education studying art history, pottery, and calligraphy. Gardening cooking and sewing were also some of her passions.

Barbara was blessed to have a rich and diverse group of friends through her life. We are thrilled that she was found by her brother Chris Kamen and sister Melissa McKay a few years ago. Together we celebrate her.

An event in her honour will be held on Wednesday, August 8, at the Hulse and English Funeral Home and Chapel. Visitation at 11:00 AM followed by a service at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara‘s memory may be made to the Niagara Health System, St Catharine’s hospital or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made through www.hulseandenglish.com

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It is with great sadness we announce Barbara’s passing at Niagara Health System St. Catharines Hospital on July 30th, 2018 at the age of 83. Predeceased by her loving husband Norman (2007). Survived by her children; Alexandra (Karen Brown) & Malcolm Macdonald. Beloved grandmother to Marissa, Cameron, & Ian. Sadly missed by her siblings; Chris Kamen & Melissa McKay of California.

Family and friends are invited to HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines (905 684 6346) on Wednesday August 8th from 11am -12 pm for visitation.

A Celebration of Barbara’s life will be held in the Chapel at 12:00 pm.

Donations to the Niagara Health System- St. Catharines Hospital would be appreciated by the family.(1200 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 0A9 (905 378 4647)

Online tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com