Dorothy MacDonald

MACDONALD Dorothy Anne (nee Lewis) October 25, 1921 - December 23, 2008Beloved sister, mother, wife and aunt passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 23, 2008, at Arbutus Care Centre. Born in 1921 in Jasper, Ontario, Dorothy was married to former BC Attorney General Alex MacDonald for 64 years. A shared passion for social justice and poetry anchored their lifelong partnership. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Christina (Luca), grandsons Andrew and Michael de Jong and many nieces, nephews, family and friends across the country. Survived by her sister Alix Richards. Predeceased by her brothers, Jack and Dick Lewis and her sister Ruth (Brennan). Dorothy led a full life for which she was always grateful. As a young journalist in Toronto she wrote for Saturday Night magazine. She taught literature and enjoyed close friendships with Canadian writers Stephen Leacock and Dorothy Livesay. She attended the founding meeting of the United Nations in 1945 in San Francisco, the first UN Earth Summit on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, and the UN Habitat Forums in Vancouver in 1976 and 2006. Her interest in people, culture and poverty reduction led to travel throughout Asia, the Middle East and Europe. At home in Vancouver she volunteered her endless energy and determination to organizations that encouraged education and improvement for women and children including the Royal Commonwealth Society, the University Women's Club and St. James' Anglican Church in the downtown eastside, where she was a member for the past 54 years. Throughout her life she researched and wrote in aide of purposes she saw as integral to making her community and the world a better and more sustainable place. In facing challenges she drew strength from her faith, family and friends. Her husband and daughter would like to offer their sincere and heartfelt appreciation to Emilia Telite, Robert Brennan, Father Nixon, Father Li, St. James AC, Linda Coady, Hugh Legg, and the staff at Arbutus Care Centre for the attention, affection and concern they always showed Dorothy. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at St. James' Anglican Church, 303 E Cordova Street, Vancouver, B.C at 2:00 p.m. a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dorothy to her grandson's participation in the Ride To Conquer Cancer at www.conquercancer.ca or the St. James' Anglican Church, St. James Music Academy or the St. James Community Service Society would be appreciated. Walkey & Company Funeral Directors (604) 738-0006.