Kathleen Lilian MacDonald
(nee Thorburn)
August 23, 1921 ~ November 21, 2014
Held close in a circle of love by members of her family, Kathleen passed away at Wexford Creek Care Home in Nanaimo. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, she was predeceased by her beloved husband John, and is survived by her children: Gordon (Anne), Heather (Peter), and Ian (Candice); by grandchildren: Derek, Paul, Mary, and Niall, John and Graham, Caitlin and Fraser; by great-grandchildren: Carter and Maisy; and by numerous relatives in the United Kingdom.
While still in her teens, Kathleen chose to serve her country as a member of the British Army Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) during the early years of WWII. Stationed at Aberdeen, she met the love of her life, John, a piper and Regimental Sergeant Major in the Gordon Highlanders. They married in 1943, and after the birth of their eldest son Gordon, and the end of the war, she took up residence in Kuwait where John worked until 1965. Daughter Heather and youngest son Ian grew up in Kuwait. Returning to the UK, the family lived in Cheltenham and Bathgate, before immigrating to British Columbia, Canada in 1966 where they purchased a home in Port Coquitlam. After the death of her husband John in 1981, and her retirement, she moved to Parksville on Vancouver Island, where she had a wonderful new home built near Parksville beach.
She dedicated her energy to designing and maintaining her beautiful garden, being active with Aquafit, Scottish Country Dancing and seashore walks, and enjoying memorable times with her grandchildren. She continued to travel internationally with her family, or the Happy Wanderers travel group. She loved Canada, but remained proud of her Scottish heritage - sharing many a story of her homeland with friends and family. Her final 3 years were spent at Good Samaritan Wexford Creek, where she continued to receive the loving support of her family, and the compassion of the staff who cared for her there.
Kath was 93 years young, fiercely independent, and unafraid to speak up for herself or others. She was quick with a joke, and keen to learn and talk about current issues. She had a zest for life that led her to grace many an occasion reciting a rhyme, or singing a song - eyes twinkling, a smile from her heart.
Cremation has taken place. Flowers gratefully declined. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations could be made to the Good Samaritan Society, for Wexford Creek.