Obituary for Colleen MacDonald
MacDonald, Colleen Joan (Forrest)
Born June 25, 1934
Died October 18, 2022
We sadly bid farewell to our Mom, who slipped away peacefully on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, in her 89th year, at the Village at University Gates, Waterloo, with her family close by.
Predeceased by her husband of 60 years, John H. MacDonald, and infant son Michael.
Much loved mother of Tim (Alexandra) MacDonald of Stratford, Joan (Paul) Waechter of Shelburne, and John (Norma) MacDonald of Listowel.
Wonderful Nana to Johnathon MacDonald of Collingwood, and Greg (Bradley) MacDonald of Waterloo.
She is survived by her brother Walter Forrest of London, by his daughters Jo-Ann, Nancy, and Mary, and by their families.
Colleen was born in London, Ontario, to Josephine (Booth) and Earl Forrest. Together with her brother Walter, the Forrest family moved to Listowel in 1946 when Earl became a partner in Ideal Supply.
There, in high school, she met John MacDonald, the love of her life, and they were married in 1954. They lived in London and Toronto until they moved back to Listowel when John joined his father-in-law at Ideal Supply, what was to become their family business. Colleen successfully navigated the tricky waters of family business in her roles as daughter, then wife, and later, as mother and Nana.
Family has always been at the centre of Colleen’s life as she supported their three children, Tim, Joan, and John, and their spouses, through every venture and adventure. She was unselfish with her time and enthusiasm for those she loved, and especially when her grandchildren Johnathon and Gregory arrived. Colleen reveled in every experience and idea the young boys had, every story they told, and every hope for their future.
Colleen’s death leaves a big hole in her family, her wide circle of friends, and her community, but she will be long remembered for her love of life and by those lucky enough to be in her life.
The MacDonald family would like to thank Dr. Kalra, Dr. Robertson, and the team at the Village at University Gates for keeping our mom comfortable these last few months.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be held from Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel, on Friday, October 21st at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ralph Dwarika and Rev. Beth Kerr officiating.
The service will be live-streamed. Click here to view service.
Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
The Celebration of Colleen's life will continue at the Listowel Golf Club, immediately following the interment.
Memorial donations to the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund (cheques made payable to S.P.C.F. (Stratford Perth Community Foundation)) or the Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated, and may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.
About the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund:
“You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill
John and Colleen MacDonald were proud to call Listowel home for over 60 years. They raised their children there, grew their business there and were actively involved in many community organizations. It was their belief that giving back was at the core of building a strong community. To build a strong community, the MacDonald’s believed smaller communities could only progress if people got involved and worked toward common goals.
The John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund was created by their children - Tim, John and Joan – to honour their parents and their love of their community. The fund, in perpetuity, provides grants in two areas: to community organizations that support families in need and to support the development of leadership skills of staff and volunteers for organizations in Perth County.
Gifts in memory of Colleen MacDonald can be made to the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund held within the Stratford Perth Community Foundation (SPCF). A charitable tax receipt will be issued for all gifts received.
Born June 25, 1934
Died October 18, 2022
We sadly bid farewell to our Mom, who slipped away peacefully on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, in her 89th year, at the Village at University Gates, Waterloo, with her family close by.
Predeceased by her husband of 60 years, John H. MacDonald, and infant son Michael.
Much loved mother of Tim (Alexandra) MacDonald of Stratford, Joan (Paul) Waechter of Shelburne, and John (Norma) MacDonald of Listowel.
Wonderful Nana to Johnathon MacDonald of Collingwood, and Greg (Bradley) MacDonald of Waterloo.
She is survived by her brother Walter Forrest of London, by his daughters Jo-Ann, Nancy, and Mary, and by their families.
Colleen was born in London, Ontario, to Josephine (Booth) and Earl Forrest. Together with her brother Walter, the Forrest family moved to Listowel in 1946 when Earl became a partner in Ideal Supply.
There, in high school, she met John MacDonald, the love of her life, and they were married in 1954. They lived in London and Toronto until they moved back to Listowel when John joined his father-in-law at Ideal Supply, what was to become their family business. Colleen successfully navigated the tricky waters of family business in her roles as daughter, then wife, and later, as mother and Nana.
Family has always been at the centre of Colleen’s life as she supported their three children, Tim, Joan, and John, and their spouses, through every venture and adventure. She was unselfish with her time and enthusiasm for those she loved, and especially when her grandchildren Johnathon and Gregory arrived. Colleen reveled in every experience and idea the young boys had, every story they told, and every hope for their future.
Colleen’s death leaves a big hole in her family, her wide circle of friends, and her community, but she will be long remembered for her love of life and by those lucky enough to be in her life.
The MacDonald family would like to thank Dr. Kalra, Dr. Robertson, and the team at the Village at University Gates for keeping our mom comfortable these last few months.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be held from Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel, on Friday, October 21st at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ralph Dwarika and Rev. Beth Kerr officiating.
The service will be live-streamed. Click here to view service.
Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
The Celebration of Colleen's life will continue at the Listowel Golf Club, immediately following the interment.
Memorial donations to the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund (cheques made payable to S.P.C.F. (Stratford Perth Community Foundation)) or the Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated, and may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.
About the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund:
“You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill
John and Colleen MacDonald were proud to call Listowel home for over 60 years. They raised their children there, grew their business there and were actively involved in many community organizations. It was their belief that giving back was at the core of building a strong community. To build a strong community, the MacDonald’s believed smaller communities could only progress if people got involved and worked toward common goals.
The John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund was created by their children - Tim, John and Joan – to honour their parents and their love of their community. The fund, in perpetuity, provides grants in two areas: to community organizations that support families in need and to support the development of leadership skills of staff and volunteers for organizations in Perth County.
Gifts in memory of Colleen MacDonald can be made to the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund held within the Stratford Perth Community Foundation (SPCF). A charitable tax receipt will be issued for all gifts received.