DOROTHY "DUBBY" ZOLF McDONALD

(née Lavin, 1932 – 2025) Dorothy "Dubby" Zolf McDonald passed away at the age of 93 after a remarkable life, defined by intellect, determination, and a deep love for her family. Dubby was born in Calgary to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, Sonia and Abraham. She was very close to her three sisters, Ann, Jenny and Fran. Dubby was the first in her family to attend university and dreamed of becoming a doctor. Her career path shifted at age 20 when she married Meyer (Michael) Zolf in 1953, a young accountant from Winnipeg. Dubby raised three children - Janice, Patty and Stephen. She imparted her love of the Rocky Mountains to her children, with many ski and hiking trips to Jasper. In the midst of raising a family, Dubby earned a Master's degree (1973) and a PhD in 1992. She held professorships at University of Alberta and University of Calgary. She served on several boards, including Shaw Communications, Corus Entertainment, the Canadian Film Centre and Heritage Toronto. Dubby was a devoted supporter of the Edmonton Symphony and later the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. She had an insatiable lifelong appetite for immersing herself in the arts. She was an avid news junkie and dedicated to her weekly Zoom discussions with her Economist group, often delivering insightful presentations on Canadian and European politics. Her sharp mind, curiosity, and sense of purpose endured to the very end. Following the death of her daughter, Patty, and her second husband, Justice David McDonald, in 1996, Dubby moved from Edmonton to Toronto to be closer to her family. She is survived by her beloved sister, Jenny; her daughter, Janice Zolf; and son, Stephen Zolf, and his wife, Lesley Harrison. Dubby was affectionately known to her grandchildren as "Bubby Dubby" - Joshua Lerner and his wife, Emily Naddaf; Hannah Lerner; Ben Zolf and his partner, Katarina Kusic; and Elliott Zolf. Dubby will be lovingly remembered by her nephews and nieces and former son-in-law, Mark Lerner. Even in her final weeks at Mount Sinai Hospital, Dubby faced each day with clarity, courage, and determination. She was deeply loved by those fortunate enough to have known her. The Family is grateful for the expertise and compassion of the medical team at Mount Sinai Hospital who provided extraordinary end of life comfort to Dubby. A special thank you to Dr. Chien and Dr. Louis. Thank you to Dubby's caregiver, Tess Viernes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honour to the Sinai Health Foundation. Funeral service at Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue West, Thursday, November 13th, at 10a.m.