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Flora MACDONALD
Flora MACDONALD
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Flora MACDONALD Obituary
Peacefully, at the Windsor Park Manor, Ottawa on Sunday, July 26, 2015 at the age of 89. Formerly of North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Flora was the daughter of the late George Frederick MacDonald and the late Mary Isabel (nee Royle). Sister of Jean Grearson (late Emory), Sheila Muttart (Graham), Lorna Hogan and Ronald MacDonald. Also will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Jane Algire and Cecilia Germano for their loving care and compassion. Funeral Service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Care Canada, P.O. Box 2359, Station Main, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4A6 (www.care.ca) would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences/Tributes/Donations:
www.hpmcgarry.ca
613-233-1143
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43 Entries
Flora McDonald Secretary of State for External Affairs, Paris, June 1979
November 12, 2017
I found this photo while sorting through my parents' papers. My father worked at External Affairs at the time, and I remember him telling me that Miss McDonald would make a wonderful Prime Minister. Alas...
August 17, 2015
Honorable Florence MacDonald, the Vietnamese Boat People remember you. Phat Nguyen, Vietnamese Association, Toronto.
Janet Gollan
August 11, 2015
My sympathy to Flora's family and to the many who mourn her death. At the time she lived in Kingston, I was president of the Kingston Chapter (Nu) of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International(a society of professional women educators) and was proud to initiate her as our honourary member 1n 1986. I also had the privilege of driving her home at the close of the meeting which gave us a little 'chat time' whch I treasured.
Claire carefoot
August 2, 2015
I had the privilege of knowing Flora MacDonald when she was a Minister in the Joe Clark Government. She made such a difference in this world! With deepest sympathy. Claire and Murray Carefoot Drayton Valley, Alberta
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Suzanne Mooney
August 2, 2015
To the MacDonald family. My husband and I send our deepest condolences to you, on the death of Ms Flora MacDonald. As a woman, somewhat younger than she was, she was an inspiration to my generation.
Rest now, ye good and faithful servant.
Kate White, UNA-Canada
August 2, 2015
The very special global citizen, Flora MacDonald, was the recipient of the United Nations Association in Canada's Pearson Peace Medal. Joining a prestigious list of Canadians devoted to action to create a better world. None are more deserving than Flora. That she was a warm, sharp, funny and loving person makes her an even stronger role model. Flora, your memory will be kept alive. Thank you for making Canada better.
Robin Collins
August 2, 2015
Condolences to Flora's family. She was a significant contribution as President to the World Federalist Movement (Canada) for two terms (4 years) where she would often begin our Board meetings with reflections on her NGO work with women in Aghanistan. Flora was an inspiration and genuine progressive.
Bonnie McWhirter
August 2, 2015
I am a retired Registered Nurse from work as a Medical Adjudicator for Canada Pension Plan Disabiltiy, now Service Canada.
I accepted responsibility to plan and organize a yearly Nurses' Week luncheon.
Flora accepted our invitation to attend one year as guest speaker. Although the luncheon was brief, I feel we got to know Flora just a little. Her informal talk was about her passion for helping others, especially in third world countries.
She motivated us to do better!
I feel honoured to be able to attend her funeral today.
Rest in peace Flora. You have truly given all that you had to give.
Sam-Ottawa Seyadoussane
August 1, 2015
Hi Ron
This is Sam-Ottawa. I have asked Laura Jean of CP Post to pass on to you may mail and the photos I took of Flo at her 80th birthday on The Hill. I've found found some more dated back to 2004 + copy of an award of recognition given her by the Vietnamese Canadian Federation. When you have time please drop me a line. I wish I can attend the service tomorrow in Ottawa, but I'm out-of-town. All the best. God Bless.
July 31, 2015
To Sheila Muttart
I am so sorry to hear of Flora's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Pilgrim and family
Paul Wefers Bettink
July 31, 2015
I still remember when I was a co-op student working at Employment and Immigration Canada (1985), she shared the same elevator with me. She was a remarkable person, both as a politician and as a humanitarian. God bless.
Carleen Carroll
July 31, 2015
I had the privilege and honour to work with Flora MacDonald as her legislative assistant.She was a dynamic politician and a true Red Tory. I feel a great sense of loss and will remain forever greatful to this amazing woman.
Mary de Toro
July 31, 2015
The Ottawa Branch of the Monarchist League of Canada was saddened to learn of the death on July 26, 2015 of politician and humanitarian, the Honourable Flora MacDonald.
Flora MacDonald set a shining example as a Canadian with her commitment to Canada playing a leading, positive role in the world said Mary de Toro, Chair of the Ottawa Branch of the Monarchist League of Canada.
Ms. MacDonald is remembered as an impressive figure and a breaker of barriers. She held three cabinet posts during her 16 years as a member of Canada's Parliament, serving as Canada's first female foreign minister, Minister of Employment and Immigration and Minister of Communications.
After retiring from politics, Ms. MacDonald concentrated on international development and humanitarian work, toured the developing world as a human rights observer and hosted a television series on Third World Development. She went on to found the non-governmental organization Future Generations Canada. During her service with the NGO, Ms. MacDonald visited Afghanistan many times, with the goal to educate women and to introduce participatory systems to Afghan society.
Ms. MacDonald's advice to aspiring women was the same she gave men: Polish your public speaking skills and learn to relate to the difficulties somebody down the street is having.
Among her many awards, she received the Government of India's Padma Shri award in 2004, one of India's highest civilian awards, for distinguished service and excellence.
Flora was the recipient of the Pearson Medal of Peace in 2000, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and was also a Companion of the Order of Canada
July 31, 2015
Flora was a trailblazer. I first met her in Cape Breton at the Girl Guide International Camp. She was very knowledgeable bout anything we asked her. My sincere condolences. to her family
Ruth Tracy
July 31, 2015
Flora was a special friend of immigrant/refugee students - and met with a number during her weekends in Kingston. She found a way to help many of them during her years as MP for Kingston & the Islands.
Glynis
July 31, 2015
She was an awesome woman and trailblazer. Condolences to her family and friends.
MJ McKenty
July 30, 2015
Flora MacDonald was a trailblazer for women in public life, a rare politician who stood for principles more than party, and a true patriot and public servant who made us all a bit prouder to be Canadian. She will be missed. My condolences to her family and friends.
Tom & Marianne RISSESCO
July 30, 2015
Sincere condolences to Ron and other members of Flora's Family. I first met Flora in the National Office of the P.C. Party in the mid-fifties. She was the embodiment of the whole Party at that time.I was the the First Prime Minister of the First Model Parliament at M.U.N. ( Joey's University). She was an inspiration to me. She was truly a Great Canadian and a person to be respected.
Tamara Bernstein
July 30, 2015
Flora was, and will remain, a reminder of the days when Canada's Conservatives were a principled party with compassion and fairness. I never lived in her riding, but when I was coming of age she was a shining example of what women could do on the world stage, and a class act from beginning to end. She is already sorely missed.
Sandra Bernstein
July 29, 2015
I admired her as that rarity, a truly principled politician and an example to all Canadians. She was the only Conservative I ever voted for. My condolences to the family.
Douglas Humphries
July 29, 2015
We the Humphries family lived in the same building and on many occasions we would have a chat about her life so fulfilled with stories about her days in Parliament and with her extensive work in Afghanistan and her many travels around the world. She was so independent which made her strong. She will be surely missed and my condolences go out to her entire family and peace be with you all she is now heaven and what a story she has for all the folks up there.
Elizabeth Price
July 29, 2015
Rest in peace, Flora. Walk with the Angels,dear Lady...
Doreen Best
July 29, 2015
Flora was a sweet person, we met at
IDRC, I was a server, and when Flora
would speak or attend meetings, we were
like a magnet to each other, she told me of many stories including her
involvement in "argo" ...I will
dearly miss Flora, as we all will.
May Christ, the "Comforter", be with
her loved ones during this time.
Katherine Campbell
July 29, 2015
R I P
George Pappas
July 29, 2015
We first met at Fort Beausejour in Cape Breton. Flora with her mom & my family and I with my mother in law. Two years later she recalled the meeting and she had me converted to a Flora-supporter. Her life has been an example for all. My condolences to her family.
Hon. John McDermid, pP.C.
July 29, 2015
Flora was a colleague, a friend who willingly came to my riding and campaigned tirelessly for me and who provided advice to a then young politician which was invaluable. Her exploits booth in politics and in her unselfish charity work are ledgendary He work overseas for the benefit of young womem would make a wonderful TV special. She was a special woman. Thanks Flora for what you did for Canada, and the World. You will be missed by countless thousands. Rest in Peace my friend.
Rand Dyck
July 29, 2015
Beyond all the really major things Flora did, and her major contributions to make the world a better place, I cannot forget how she would round up the male Political Science students at Queen's and take us to the dances at the Prison for Women. She never stopped caring.
Lynda Muir
July 29, 2015
My condolences to the family and friends of Flora MacDonald, a woman whose courage, vision, character, humanitarianism, formidable energy and work ethic were an inspiration to women of my generation. Despite her many achievements, she was very approachable, in that down home Cape Breton way. In 2010, around the time of her 84th birthday, I chatted with Flora, whom I instantly recognized, in the checkout line at Loblaw's Isabella in Ottawa. She told me she had just returned from delivering the convocation address at St. Francis Xavier University and would soon be heading back to Afghanistan, to continue her work building schools and a clinic for women in a region that took minutes by plane and hours by road to reach. She said she loved that part of the world, and reminisced about trekking with (younger!) friends in the Himalayas. I am glad I had a chance to meet the remarkable Flora and express my admiration. Canada has lost a formidable citizen.
Carol Dobson
July 29, 2015
I was fortunate enough to meet Flora on many occasions. She was a true trailblazer and inspiration to this PEI gal who lived and breathed politics. Thinking of you Ron. Rest in Peace Flora and I am sure you and Sir John A are already having some wonderful discussions in the world beyond.
Faye McDonald
July 28, 2015
Many years ago, I had the great priviledge to meet and get to know Miss MacDonald when she would come to where I worked. She was such a lovely caring and compassionate person who always had time to listen and assist the people of Kingston and the Islands. For the woman of Canada she paved the way for us in the politcial world and she was a great humanitarian. Rest in Peace, Miss MacDonald and Thank You for all that you have done in helping others
July 28, 2015
I recently shared a room with Flora in
Hospital. I was scared and going for tests and her school Friend came to visit. They sang their school song, it
was so beautiful, I instantly relaxed
.
I recently shared a room in Hospital with Flora. Her School Friend came to visit and they sang their School song.
It was so beautiful. I think of the song and Flora often.
Rest in Peace.
Mary
Rest in Peace.
Mary
Marilyn Lucas
July 28, 2015
The Honourable Flora MacDonald - An amazing Politican & Lady. Please accept my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Marilyn Lucas
Beverley Burlock
July 28, 2015
It was my understanding that Flora was the first MP to open a Constituency Office, paying for it out of her own salary. And I, as a fellow Nova Scotian who had just moved to Kingston, was among those who staffed that first office. I left after 5 years to pursue further studies just as she became the first woman Secretary of State for External Affairs.
During my time at the office, I learned a great deal, and remember her receiving requests for assistance from across the country, regardless of any party affiliation. One letter arrived addressed simply - Flora, Kingston, ON. We were to do something about every single one.
Her integrity was without question. Canada and its people had top priority.
I felt it was a loss that she never got to be leader of a great party that has now ceased to exist.
What she did in her later years were feats I'd never have attempted myself at a much younger age. Along with Sally Armstrong, she put the focus on the people, especially woman and children, of Afghanistan.
My sincere sympathies to the members of her proud family.
Danh Lam Nguyen
July 28, 2015
On behalf of the Vietnamese Canadian Community of Ottawa organization, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Ms. Flora MacDonald. She was a truly loveable and kind person, a savior of Vietnamese refugees and Boat people. She will forever live in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda McAskill
July 28, 2015
You will be missed Flora, especially by the young women from North Sydney who listened to the stories of your early travels by yourself in Europe. As a result many of us decided to travel to Europe following the ending of our first university degrees. You, your Mother, and Father where also mentors to many.
CODE
July 28, 2015
CODE is honoured to have counted Ms. MacDonald as one of its Ambassadors for many years. She was well known for fostering international understanding and development, something we, as an organization, also aspire to do through our own work in literacy and education around the world. We extend our most sincere condolences to Ms. MacDonald's family and friends and hope that her efforts in working for positive change both in Canada and abroad will be long remembered.
Tri Hoang
July 28, 2015
July 27th 2015
Vietnamese community mourns the loss of The Honourable Flora MacDonald
On behalf of the Vietnamese community in Canada, we mourn the passing of The Honourable Flora MacDonald. Ms. MacDonald was a prominent Canadian politician. In 1979, she was appointed Secretary of State of External Affairs, the first woman to hold such an important federal Cabinet post.
In response to the world refugee crisis in Southeast Asia at the time, Ms. MacDonald made the historic announcement that Canada would accept 50,000 refugees, 50% of which would be through private sponsorships. That decision kicked off a grassroots movement to provide assistance to the Vietnamese and Indochinese refugees. This unique program of community sponsorships, including groups such as Toronto's Operation Lifeline, Vancouver's Taskforce and Ottawa's Project 4000, was an enormous success for both Canada and the Canadian people. Its humanitarian scope, welcoming and helping refugees settle into their new home country, earned the Canadian people the United Nations Hansen Medal in 1986.
The "Vietnamese Boat People: A 40-year Journey Comes to Life" on May 3rd, 2015 at the RA Centre in Ottawa was Ms. MacDonald's last public event. With a heartfelt standing ovation, she was awarded the Vietnamese Canadian Federation Humanity Award (picture and video attached).
Ms. Flora MacDonald was a savior of Vietnamese refugees and Boat people. She has had an everlasting impact on the history of the Vietnamese refugees, and will forever live in our hearts.
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4LMAjsYcRZefkVTRVRlc1hZNXJHZEd2T3dmemdiY2ZDZmpGNWpqTjFyQU5ncjB0RVhIUUk&usp=sharing
Rosemary Tassie
July 28, 2015
My dear Flora,
It is fitting that you depart us on the 200th birthday of Sir John A.
You held your head high and taught me how to hold mine. You shared your stories of world travels, my favourites were about your early time in Portugal, the country I am from. I think it was there you gathered the confidence that you could do anything! I loved looking over the many momentos and awards you received over the years which were displayed proudly in your apt. Thank you for the memories and the life lessons you taught me. I am proud to have known you and to have helped you out from time to time when you needed something. As Executive Assistant at CARE, I know you added so much to the CARE Canada board during your tenure. You will be the magnet that finally brings me to visit Cape Breton to lay a flower beside your resting place.
My deepest condolences go out to your family and your global family.
Rosemary Tassie
[email protected]
Sam-Ottawa Seyadoussane
July 28, 2015
Dear Flo
You shall be dearly missed. 60,000 former Vietnamese boat people owes Canada a great debt of gratitude. which gave them safe haven and a place to call home in late 1979's and 1980's, thanks to you, then Minister of Foreign Affairs, our former PM Joe Clark and CIC Minister Ron Atkey. RIP. Sam-Ottawa
Francine Archambault
July 28, 2015
I remember well her time as Minister of External Affairs. She was a courageous person, willing to put the good of the country and its people first. Her work since then is nothing short of admirable. May you rest in peace, Madame, you have earned it.
Dennison Moore
July 28, 2015
My family and I will always remember with gratitude your kindness and support from my early years at Queen's University at Kingston to my stint in the government of Canada. We salute you.
bob miller
July 28, 2015
Sincere condolences to brother Ron and other members of the family of Flora MacDonald, a great Canadian and a person of integrity and honor. "Flora" as she was always known...will be sorely missed. We need more of her kind in public life.
Bob Miller ([email protected])
July 28, 2015
May God bless you and your family at this time.
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