Freda MacDonald passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 15th at the age of 92. Dear wife of the late Reginald. Loving mother of the late Drake (Jeanne d'arc), Leslie and Brent, doting grandmother to Suzanne, Patricia (Brendan) and Amber and thrilled great-grandmother to Kyle and Quinn. She was the cherished older sister of her 5 brothers, the late Nicholas, the late George, the late William, Robert and the late Thomas and sister-in-law to the late Maureen, the late Diane, Anna and Carole. She will be fondly remembered as Aunt(ie) Freda to her many nieces and nephews.
Freda had a strong and tenacious spirit. Throughout her life she always up for challenge. She could cook, bake and knit but what she didn't know how to do, she would figure out. She learned to drive in her 30's and learned to swim in her 40's. She taught herself how to ride a bike somewhere in there. She taught herself to crochet from a book (that was before YouTube), learned macrame, line-dancing and even the Macarena.
She always wanted to have children and helping to raise her 4 brothers did not sway her from that. She was a devoted mother and was much loved by her children. When grandchildren came her way, she was thrilled and was ready to be as much a part of their lives as she could even when distance made it difficult. She did not get to enjoy her great-grandchildren as much as she would have wanted to but responded when they were around.
She always said that she retired three times in her life. The first time was when she got married and settled down into family life. She went back to school when her children became teenagers for accounting and got a part-time job that she did for many years. She only retired from that when her husband retired and they lived half of the year in Florida. After her husband's death, she worked at the Duty Free Shop at the Ottawa airport for many years. This she particularly enjoyed and made many lifetime friends there. She left there at the age of 70 and probably would have stayed longer had her vision not stopped her from driving.
Freda lived a long and full life and although her spark faded in later years, it was never truly extinguished. She always said never pass up the chance to have a good time and she didn't.
Friends are invited to a Memorial Service at Christ Church Bells Corners (in the chapel) on Saturday, August 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow. The address is 3861 Old Richmond Road, Nepean, ON K2H 5C1. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (www.heartandstoke.ca).
Digital Guestbook
Giuliana & Bryan
Dena Vasilopoulos
I wish I could attend, but I live in BC. My heart goes out to all of you whom Auntie Freda leaves behind. She was my favorite Aunt. I wish I was able to have spent more time with her. Sincere Condolences. Dena
Liesbeth Goldstein
Leslie, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Although I have never met your mother I feel I knew her a little bit through the interesting stories you shared about her in her later years, in our book club. I still have the washcloths she crocheted (sp?) (who knew she taught herself from a book!) and of course many of us enjoyed her 'failed' cookies. She sounds like she was a wonderful mother and her goodness surely will live on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leslie, she couldn't have had a more devoted and loving daughter than you ... hugs
Sabina Gunther
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Your mom was a fun loving and special woman and I will always remember the good times we shared on your visits to Vancouver.
Patricia Melnyk
Leslie, I was so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. You are so blessed, though, to have spent so much time with her; from all accounts she was a vibrant and friendly soul, full of love, curiosity and energy. Cherish all your wonderful memories.
Marielle Aubin
My sympathies to all the family.
Glenn Clarke
Best fudge maker ever!
Frances Campbell (Mitchell)
Leslie my deepest condolences May your Mom dance among the angels Your old school friend Francine
Susan Hogan
Freda was one of the best people I ever knew. I remember many evenings spent laughing with her. She complained that when the Hogan sisters got together, we made her say mean things about Anna and then she would laugh even harder.
Maria Buda
Leslie, I'm deeply sad to learned about the passing away of your dear mom, my dear friend and confidant, we had the happiest memories of the Duty Free, she was the best right hand in this business taking with smoothness the transitions to technology and the many challenges along the years, always with positive and go get it attitude. My deepest condolences to you and your loving family.
R.I P. dear Freda.
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your BELOVED MOM..Sending our love n support during this difficult time.❤❤❤