ELIZABETH MURIEL "BETH" DONALD

Beth died peacefully, at Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, in Orillia, on February 5, 2026, with her sisters by her side and her brothers, their wives, and her seven nephews and nieces sending their love. Beth was the beloved daughter of Graham and Joyce Donald (deceased); the cherished older sister of Stephen, Sarah, Anne, and Graham; sister-in-law to Sasha and Jill; and proud Auntie Beth to Oscar, Emily, Lucas, Ian, Georgia, Christopher and Grace. Beth was born in Toronto on July 23, 1956, and shortly after her birth was affectionately nicknamed "Pookie" by her father – a name that many knew her by her whole life. Beth graduated from Branksome Hall in 1975, York University in 1979 (Arts), Seneca College in 1991 (ECE), and George Brown College in 1995 (Day Care Management). She worked for many years as a daycare manager in Toronto and when she moved to Georgina Township, a community she enjoyed living in very much, she worked as a school bus driver. Beth loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and having the opportunity to babysit them in their early years. As they grew up, she stayed in touch and enjoyed hearing about their lives and celebrating their accomplishments. Beth always had a positive outlook, regardless of what life threw her way, and will be remembered as supportive and loving. She never missed a chance to honour occasions and was always the first to celebrate the birthdays of family and friends. Given her positive disposition, it's not surprising that Beth made friends of all ages wherever she went – and maintained those friendships throughout her life. From her work colleagues to her Notso Amazon Softball teammates, to her fellow actors in Fruit Cocktail, the other chorists in the Metropolitan Community Church Christmas Choir, her euchre and trivia groups, her "Lister Sisters," just about anyone who considered themselves a Blue Jays fan, and her peers at the Beaverton Town Hall Players where she also performed as recently as the fall of 2024. While Beth's health sometimes prevented her from engaging in her regular social and family activities, she always stayed connected and upbeat. Her struggles with Ebstein's anomaly, a heart condition, made her final few years particularly difficult. But Beth rarely complained and always looked forward to the next game or celebration. We all deeply miss Beth and her big smile and cheery outlook. Her family will be holding a celebration of her life in the spring.