Patricia E. Macdonald

It is with heavy hearts the family of Patricia E. Macdonald announces her passing.

Pat was born March 27, 1929 the youngest daughter of William Murphy and Mary O’Gorman.  She was raised with her six brothers and sisters in Ardenville, Alberta, at the foot of Waterton National Park.  Many stories were passed down regarding the Murphy children’s duties in maintaining the one room schoolhouse which stands to this day outside the door of the old family farm on the Blue Trail. Pat tragically lost her two oldest brothers Billy and Kenny in the Second World War and this caused the remaining family, to leave farm life behind and move to South West Calgary.

Pat was a graduate of the Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing and it was during her nursing training that she met the love of her life W. Bruce Macdonald. Pat and Bruce were married November 10, 1951 at St Mary’s Cathedral and lovingly raised five children, Margie (Rob) Kennedy, Cathy (Bob) Viccars, Bill (Corinne) Macdonald, Teresa (John) Carruthers and Coline (John) Vos. Pat was grandmother to 23 grandchildren, Julie (Dave) Nishizaki, Joanie Kennedy, Laura (JP) Gerritsen, Kathleen (Jeremy) Pono, Paul (Valerie) Viccars, Stephanie (Miguel) Zaragosa, Jillian Viccars (Clym Atkins), Teryle (Steve) Aguilar, Tristan Macdonald (Josh Flint)  Billy Macdonald (Beth Cooper), Morgan (Josh) Stock, Mac (Gemma) Carruthers, Natalie Carruthers (Greg Ahearn), Nick Carruthers (Victoria Colbert), Ali Carruthers, Catherine Carruthers, Emily (Tobias) D’Emden , Andrew (Heleen) Vos, Sally Vos {Connor Rodewald}, Clair Vos (Chad Allan), Grace Vos, Tom Vos, Henry Vos and 24 great grandchildren.

In 1958 the Macdonald family moved to Chinook Park in Calgary, where Pat began active involvement in St. Gerard’s parish and her community.  Pat was predeceased by her parents and sisters Mildred (Ted) DesLauriers, Theresa (Jim) Geddes, Marian (Lawrence) Hill and her youngest brother Tom (Libby) Murphy.  Pat’s family enjoyed the close ties of being part of the Murphy clan and spending time with aunts, uncles and many cousins.  A highlight of many large Murphy family get togethers was the annual Christmas/talent show where non-participation was never an option. 

The family wishes to express great gratitude to the staff at Staywell Manor and Mom’s family physician, Doctor Thorsen, who provided great comfort to both Mom, Dad and the whole family through difficult times.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Sisters of the Precious Blood, who as a charity, address issues such as lack of education, the death penalty, migration, racism and criminal justice, all causes dear to Pat’s heart.  A funeral mass for Pat was held at Sacred Heart Church on Friday, June 18, 2021.

A funeral mass for Pat was held at Sacred Heart Church on Friday, June 18, 2021. A recording of the service is available below.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Sisters of the Precious Blood (http://www.pbsisters.on.ca), who as a charity, address issues such as lack of education, the death penalty, migration, racism and criminal justice, all causes dear to Pat’s heart.  

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