Peacefully on Saturday, November 19, 2022 in her 88th year, Stella passed away at Scarborough General Hospital. Born in Fort Pelly, Saskatchewan on January 19, 1934, Stella was the youngest of nine siblings in a proud eastern European and Canadian household. She is predeceased by her parents, Nick and Annie Kuzyk, siblings Helen, Jeanette, Joseph, Marion, Paul, Lena, and Olivia, and the love of her life, Douglas McDonald.
In their 64 years together, Stella and Doug raised five children, Dale (Michelle), Kelly (John), Lori (Ken), Todd (Bonnie), and Jayne (Gary). Stella was an incredible grandmother to grandchildren, Tracy, Leanne (Adam), Ashleigh (Shane), Kurtis, Samantha, Lyndsy, Travis, Brooke, Shane, and Scott, and a great-grandmother to Bodie, Cameron, Ryder, and Zoey. She was an aunt, a great-aunt, a teacher, and a friend to many…and a ‘baby sister’ to Anne.
Stella spent her early years with her family on their farm in Kamsack. She rode her horse, ‘Fly’, to school every day as a young girl, and relocated to Toronto when she was a teen. Not long after, Stella was set up on a blind date in Beaverton, ON – and that is how she met her soulmate. Stella and Doug married in 1956. She had already begun her teaching career and it wasn’t long before she and Doug started their family. Stella called the Guildwood area of Scarborough home for many years. She often reminisced fondly of her time spent raising her children, enjoying social time with her neighbours, family, and friends, and teaching for the TDSB.
Later, she enjoyed her retirement – three decades – living in Ajax. Stella was a classy woman; she dressed elegantly and would never be seen without her lipstick. She had a green thumb and took pride in tending to the gardens outside of their home at ‘The Breakers’. She loved keeping her body and mind active and often did so by playing golf weekly with her best friend and husband, Doug, rain or shine. Stella and Doug also enjoyed card games, getting together with friends in their community, dining at their favourite restaurants, casino visits, and ‘going to the show’ to see the latest movies. Stella and Doug travelled to several countries in their time together (and spent many winters in Florida) and were always looking forward to their next adventure. Most of all though, Stella loved seeing her family together. On weekends and holidays, Stella was known to entertain and prepare beautiful spreads of snacks, and for supper, her famous pierogies, cabbage rolls, ‘city chicken’, roasts, borscht, and homemade pies. Stella was there for every grandchild who had a hockey or soccer game, a horseback riding or trampoline lesson, a school play or concert, or was just in need of grandma’s care…or a fun trip to the park. In addition to tending to her grandchildren, she looked after many ‘grand pets’ over the years and never failed to show up with a little bag of snacks for the dogs. Even as she aged, Stella often allowed her inner teacher to shine when she was asked to review a story, help with homework, or give advice. She was a proud, kind, intelligent, and doting matriarch who will live on forever in the hearts and memories of all who knew her.
After Doug’s sudden passing in 2020, Stella fought tirelessly to keep a positive mindset, but she mourned her husband terribly. Stella was always happy to receive phone calls and visits from her family (and flowers) and never failed to put a smile on people’s faces with her witty remarks. Still, she spoke of Doug often, and it was clear that her broken heart would never mend. Stella found peace and tranquillity surrounded by immediate family and knowing that numerous others were sending their well-wishes on her final day. She lived a beautiful life and has now reunited with her soulmate for an eternity of early morning tee-offs, companionship, and love.
Stella, we love you to no end and we will miss you forever.
The McDonald family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Chartwell Trilogy for taking such great care of Stella.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Parkinson Canada. Interment and celebration of life will be held in early 2023.
Saturday November 19th 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Stella Adila McDonald Kuzyk Saturday November 19th 2022..
new castle funeral home
Décès pour la Ville:Newcastle, Province: Ontario