MARY LUCINDA MacDONALD

(nee Mott, June 27, 1933 - January 19, 2026) Mary Lu's many friends - past, present, near and far - will remember her for her intellect, insight and determination, and for her love of art, music and funky eyeglasses. She will also be remembered for her softer side that was seldom seen. She was a kind and reliable friend, whether the occasion was for work or enjoyment. She took pleasure in both. She will be greatly missed. Mary Lu was predeceased by her parents, Roland and Elta (Dales) Mott; and her husband, John Bruce MacDonald. Mary Lu was born in Walkerville, Ontario. She attended Riverside High School and Queen's, Concordia and Carleton Universities. She was the author of three monographs and numerous articles on pre-Confederation Canadian literary culture. She was one of the founding executives of the Canadian Association for the Study of Book Culture, and active in many Canadian and international academic organizations. Over many years she served on the Boards of Symphony Nova Scotia, Scotia Chamber Players, and other Halifax music organizations. For her work on the history of music performance in Halifax she received the Symphony's Concertmaster Award and was granted the Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal. Mary Lu was instrumental in the formation of the Canadian Unitarian Council. She played a role in the creation of the Lay Chaplain program and was a member of the CUC Board of Trustees, serving as its president from 1970-1972. Mary Lu received the Knight Award in 1997, which recognizes outstanding contributions to Unitarian Universalism on a national level. She was one of the founders of the Canadian Unitarian Universalist Women's Association, and co-wrote "Concise Portraits of Canadian Unitarian Universalist Women" on early UU women leaders that will be a legacy contribution. Mary Lu was an active member of Unitarian congregations in Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. AT on April 11, 2026, at a location to be determined. Her ashes will be interred with those of her family in Thornbury (Ontario) Union Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Scotia Chamber Players, 6181 Lady Hammond Road, Halifax, B3K 2R9; to Symphony Nova Scotia, Suite 301, 5657 Spring Garden Road, Halifax; or to your favourite cultural charity.