MacDONALD, Dorelle Elinor (née Monahan). March 26, 2014 in Cobourg . Age 86. Adored wife and heartbroken widow of Bill (d. Feb 28 2014). Beloved mother of Bill (Jane), Mary, Jim, Joe (Irene), John (Sonja Schroedter), Susan (Stephen Hinton), Dorelle (Jeff Roberts), Kate (Reiner Estrada). Devoted Grandma to Kelly (Ken Huston), Stephen (Caleigh); Kathryn (Matt), John and Jennifer Young; Patrick (Charlene), Michael, Mark; Travis, Cameron; Dorelle, Alexander; Brendan, Thomas, Alexandra; Rebecca, Sebastian, Monica and Great Grandma of Adrianna, William and Owen. Predeceased by eldest brother John in Ireland. Greatly mourned by siblings Stephen, Mary (Chard) and Barbara (Webster). Cherished sister in law to Ruth (Jim McGrath), Sylvia MacDonald and Ann Dolan and much loved aunt to her 35 nieces and nephews.
Born in Toronto, Dorelle enjoyed a happy childhood, even though she lost her mother at age 12 and her father at 17. Dorelle was nurtured with love, security and humour by her older siblings and her very special Aunt Ethel and Uncle George McPherson. A graduate of University of Toronto 4T9 Physical and Health Education, Dorelle was the first Phys-Ed teacher at St Joseph’s, Islington. Family lore debates as to whether it was friend Ruth who introduced Dorelle to big brother Bill, or Bill’s friend Stephen who introduced him to little sister Dorelle. Regardless, ‘The rest is history’! Marriage to Bill in 1950, followed in short order by 8 children, kept her busy at home. Mom managed her family with love, wisdom and strength of character through many moves: Sarnia, Regina, Sarnia, Venezuela, Sarnia, Toronto and finally Hastings. She would jokingly claim that she had earned many honorary degrees including nursing, food sciences, psychology, child development, and women’s studies to name but a few. Mom was ever the athlete, energetic and mentally disciplined; always a role model in staying active. She loved to travel with Dad, her favourite memories being trips to her family in Ireland. Mom valued respect and equal opportunity for all. This was always evident when guiding each child to fulfill their own unique dreams and potential. She made us all feel special and favoured none. Hugs were frequent, while a quick ‘flash of the blues’ kept us in line. Mom was a fun loving woman who was nurturing, patient, compassionate and practical. ’Kitchen talks’ over tea hold a special memory to many. In her quiet manner Mom contributed meaningfully in every community in which she lived, through church committees and volunteer work. Mom and Dad lived a loving and committed marriage and were just short of celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary. A woman of great faith in a loving God, we take peace in her being with Dad now in Heaven, ‘dancing cheek to cheek’. Visitation: BRETT FUNERAL CHAPEL, Hastings, Sunday March 30th, 2-5pm. Funeral Mass: Monday March 31st 11:30 am, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Hastings, followed by internment of Bill and Dorelle at OLMC Cemetery. Reception thereafter: Dreamland Resort, Hastings. In lieu of flowers, and in honour of son Jim, please consider donating to Community Living Peterborough. (http://www.communitylivingpeterborough.ca ) or a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorelle Elinor MacDonald, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.