Mary Margaret MacDonald

Mary, the eldest child of Aeneas MacDonald and Margaret MacLellan, was born at Launching on November 8, 1918, in the homestead built by her grandfather, John MacDonald. Three days later the peace treaty was signed and she always jokingly claimed that she brought peace to the world in only 3 days - and until her death expressed a desire for peace and an end to world turmoil. Her early education was completed at the local school and at the tender age of 13 she passed the Grade 10 entrance exams for admittance into Prince of Wales College. ‘Too young for college’ was her parent’s belief, so twice more she wrote only to lead Kings County and be rewarded with a scholarship. After obtaining her first class teacher’s license she began her teaching career in Launching before moving to other schools in Georgetown and later Morell from where she retired in 1979. During her time in Georgetown she met her future husband, Emmett MacDonald, at a card game and they were married on March 29, 1943. During their married years they resided in Launching, Borden, Hazelbrook, Morell and Charlottetown while raising their five children, Ken, Maureen, Betty, Virginia and Rosemary. Dedicated to raising her family, she remained at home until the youngest was in Grade 3 before returning to the classroom. In the ensuing years mom advanced her education with summer schools and many courses achieving certificate five. As well, over the years she devoted much of her time to her mother and her two brothers, John and Fr. Charlie. She enjoyed visits with her children and as time went on took great delight in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She followed our lives closely, supported us all, carried us in prayer and rejoiced in our accomplishments. Mom was a committed member to her church and community. She held positions in the Catholic Women’s League, Women’s Institute, 4-H as well as teaching religion classes. One of her special talents was writing poetry. She was often called upon to write a poem for a community event or family function. On a personal level she wrote many religious poems that were reflective of her strong faith. Mom kept her mind sharp by watching Jeopardy on a regular basis; she was also an avid crossword shark who could complete most puzzles in record time. Kind, patient, appreciative, caring, compassionate and unassuming are some words that could best describe the characteristics of our Mother. Deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, key components of her life included the Eucharist, rosary and daily prayer. It was not uncommon for her children to find her sitting in the dark praying when they came home at night. During her latter years the rosary was seldom out of her hands; it provided her with a great source of comfort. Mom was predeceased by her husband Emmett in 1987 and daughter Maureen in 2002; after both deaths Mom’s display of fortitude reminded us all of her inner strength. As her health deteriorated Mom made the decision that she required more care so she moved for a short time to Geneva Villa. She spent her last four years with the Sisters of St. Martha and the Mount Continuing Care Facility. Mary died peacefully on Sunday, January 11th, 2015, with her family by her side. We are deeply grateful for her life, all the wonderful lessons she taught us and her legacy of love. “In each human heart is that one special corner

which only a Mother can fill.”

Love you forever Mom, you are always in our hearts. Ken, Gene (Rogerson), Betty, Virginia,

Sister Rosemary and families