MacDonald, Dorothy (nee Gillis):
With her family at her side, Dorothy passed away peacefully at Innisfree House, Kitchener, on Sunday October 17, 2021, at the age of 70.
Beloved wife of the late Charlie MacDonald (2001).
Loving mother of Wendy MacDonald, Cindy MacDonald and Missi (James) O’Shaughnessy.
Cherished Nan to her grandchildren Victoria (Kurtis) Warwick, Jack O’Shaughnessy, Owen O’Shaughnessy, John Hearn, Lily O’Shaughnessy and great granddaughter Claire Warwick.
Sister of Dave Gillis, June (Don) Cashen, Anne Marie (Francis) McCarthy, Margie Gillis, Joe (Patricia) Gillis, Barbara (Becky) MacDonald, Peter (Rebecca) Gillis, Blaise (Rose) Gillis and Paul (Kim) Gillis.
She will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, the extended Gillis and MacDonald families and her cherished friends, Earla Recoskie and Deanna Casey.
Predeceased by her daughter Aileen, parents, Paddy and Eileen Gillis, her three siblings, Stephen Gillis, Claire Wall, Alan Gillis, her parents-in-law, Duncan and Katherine MacDonald and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Dorothy devoted her life to caring for children. For over 32 yrs she lovingly ran a daycare and opened her heart and home to countless families. She maintained contact with many, and was so proud to share their milestones and accomplishments.
Mom was the epitome of selflessness. No matter the struggle, Mom never let it show and never complained. She provided all of us with unending support and love. We long since passed the threshold of parent/child to friends. We have so many memories we will cherish forever.
The door was always open at Mom’s house and everyone was always welcome and encouraged to stay for a meal. It was not uncommon for our friends to come and visit Mom long after we were gone.
Mom’s greatest treasure was all 5 her Grandchildren, and her loveliest treasure, her great grand daughter. Nan had an amazing and unique relationship with each of the grandkids. They loved her more than life and will cherish all of their memories.
Dorothy’s family will receive relatives and friends from 4:45- 7:45pm on Thursday, October 21, 2021 and 4:45-7:45 on Friday October 22, 2021 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467.
Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament RC Church, 305 Laurentian Drive Kitchener on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Those unable to attend the Mass may view Dorothy’s funeral through www.henrywalser.com/live-streamingSaturday at 10am.
Private interment in Williamsburg Cemetery.
Please RSVP to attend visitation or Mass by phoning the funeral home or through the funeral home website. Masks must be worn and social distancing observed.
Family flowers only will be accepted, in lieu of flowers, donations to Innisfree House or the Cape Breton University Alumni Scholarship Fund would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Special thank you to the incredible staff and volunteers at Innisfree House especially Buttertart Bob and the staff at Grand River Oncology Unit especially Dr. Sara Leonard, Dr. Spencer Ler and Resident Justin Diep.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Dorothy’s memorial.
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Sunday October 17th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Dorothy Geraldine MacDonald Sunday October 17th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Kitchener, Province: Ontario