Passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2015, under the loving care of the ARCH family, Agatha Mae MacDonald (late Bert) in her 95th year.
Loving mother of Harold (Patty) and Janet Piper (Greg). Grandmother of Karin Scadden (Mark), Sarah Kehler (Sam), John MacDonald, Jason (Danielle Kember), Adam and Jennifer Piper. Sister of the late Jack (Mary), late Fred (late Doris), and late Bill (Nolda). Aunt of Billy, John (Marie), Denise Hugli (Brent), Helen-Mary and Murdoch (Kim). Special great aunt of Marissa Korab (John).
Agatha was born in Sault Ste. Marie, and was a lifelong educator, dedicating 48 years of her teaching career with the Algoma District School Board. At age 17, she attended Normal School in North Bay and returned to Sault Ste. Marie to teach elementary children at Greenwood, David Kyle, Cody, and Queen Elizabeth schools. At age 40, Agatha joined administration with the public school board and pioneered many special education programs. She obtained her Bachelor of Education degree in 1974, and continued to educate teachers in Special Education in Sault Ste. Marie through Nipissing University and the Ministry of Education. She led the path for equal pay for women teachers as President of the Federation of Women’s Teachers of Ontario. She cherished many close friendships with her colleagues, especially those in the Alpha Delta Kappa (A.D.K.) Honorary Sorority, a member since 1977 and a past President.
During her retirement years, Agatha enjoyed travelling around the world, spending time at her camp at Horseshoe Bay, playing bridge, knitting, rug hooking, attending Mary & Martha group at St. Luke’s Cathedral, dinner theatres, A.D.K. Sorority, and Nokomis Chapter #70. She was able to live past age 90 in her St. Bernard’s Condo, thanks to the exemplary care received by Premier Homecare Services (Lori Aubrey). Her last four years were spent at Pathways, where she also received excellent care.
Many thanks are extended to the nurses of 3C and float pool at SAH, and doctors Maloney, Aziz, and the Palliative Care Team. Her final days at ARCH were very comfortable thanks to the amazing ARCH healthcare team.
Cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held.
Donations to ARCH or St. Luke’s Cathedral would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 705-759-2522.
Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com
