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Obituary
Elspeth Mary Gaylor Macdonald (nee Chambers), born June 7, 1933 in London, England died suddenly at home in Stratford on April 12, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Jeff Macdonald (2005). Survived by her brother John Chambers of Oxford, UK and predeceased by her sister Margaret. Dear Mother Of Susan (Dave Fletcher), Alec (Janet Kendrick), Ian (Naomi), and Jennifer( Ken Dubblestyne). Much loved Granny to Rozlyn (Rosario), Adelle (Jeff), Renn and Kei. Elspeth grew up in wartime England, with special memories of sheltering orphaned kittens in the family bomb shelter. She carried the spirit of community and working together learned during the difficult times of food rationing with her for the rest of her life. The University of Nottingham was an exciting place where Elspeth excelled at both academics and sports. She was also very involved in the university dramatics society and organized geography club field trips. Her father that insisted she have a back up career to her crazy dream of working in professional theatre. She received her team education certificate after completing her BA honours in geography and Spanish. Elspeth emigrated to Canada in 1958. After a variety of teaching jobs in Toronto, she returned to England to pursue a technical theatre apprenticeship in stage management and lighting at the Royal Theatre Lincoln. There she gained the foundations for her career in theatre. Upon her return to Canada, from 1961-63 she was co-producer, business manager, stage manager, designer and an actor for the Village Playhouse, a small Toronto theatre. Theatre work then brought Elspeth to Stratford, first as design assistant and then stage manager / production stage manager for the Avon theatre from1965-1974. At a Stratford actors versus local doctors cricket match, on the field below the Festival, Elspeth met the love of her life, Jeffery. After a whirlwind romance they married, and Elspeth instantly became mother to four young children. After her theatre career, Elspeth had many other careers, including supply teacher at both Stratford Central and Northwestern high schools, office manager for Jeff’s family practice and later as an inspector for the local Perth OSPCA. Volunteering was an integral part of Elspeth’s life. She was a Brownie leader in the 70’s , a proud founding member of the Stratford squash club (1978) and junior squash coach in the 80’s. Most dear to Elspeth were 30 years of dedicated volunteer service to the OSPCA. Elspeth spearheaded the annual “Paws in the Park” fundraiser and many Christmas boutiques at the Stratford Mall. She fostered many young kittens. All her pets were rescue animals, including a number of dogs and her latest feline friends Tasha and Gypsy, who will miss her greatly. Elspeth travelled extensively with Jeff. While Jeff golfed, Elspeth, a nature lover, explored the area taking photos of the local birds and wildlife. She especially enjoyed hiking and birding with her sister Margaret. She was an avid gardener. For the past 10 years, Elspeth with her dog Tess was a resident of Romeo Court, where she was part of a wonderfully caring community. Her condo was especially well suited to living on her own in her fiercely independent way. Elspeth was one of kind. Her sharp wit and generous heart will be missed. Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Elspeth’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A private family celebration will take place at a later date. Memorial donations to Stratford – Kitchener Humane Society or the Stratford Festival Theatre would be greatly appreciated and can be through made through W. G. Young Funeral Home www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
“The greatest analgesic, soporific, stimulant, tranquilizer, narcotic, and to some extent even antibiotic — in short, the closest thing to a genuine panacea—known to medical science is work” (Thomas Szaz quotation on Elspeth’s fridge)
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July 7 1933
April 12 2023
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario
death notice Elspeth Macdonald July 7 1933
April 12 2023
obituaries notice Elspeth Macdonald July 7 1933
April 12 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Elspeth Macdonald July 7 1933
April 12 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
