Joan MacDonald

(nee JEANNE D’ARC MARGUERITE KOLTZ)   Surrounded by her loving family, Joan, 88, cherished wife of 47 years the late “Jack” J.H. MacDonald (deceased 1994) passed peacefully at the Northumberland Hills Hospital, after a brief illness on Sunday January 4, 2015, the first Sunday in the New Year.    She was the proud and adored mother of Christopher Noel (Honolulu, Hawaii deceased 1994), Mara Eileen (Menlo Park, California) and Mark and daughter-in-law Susan Keating and a magical grandmother (affectionately dubbed “gaga”) to their children, Jeffrey, Marjorie and Martha (Toronto).  A woman of numerous talents and interests, Joan led her life with a passion for children ~ her own, a supporter of World Vision and as an educator, an author and lover of literature, supporter of the arts (Kingcrafts Ontario) and philanthropy (Toronto NY Hospital), gardening and all genteel sports including the highly competitive Port Hope Croquet Club (founding member). She was the light that inspired many young people and delighted dear friends in Montreal, King City, Toronto and most recently Cobourg. Always engaging, joyous, fearless and full of fun, she will be sorely missed but her spirit will remain in our hearts.  She was a true Joan of Arc, perhaps absent the amour.  The Funeral will be held at St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 379 Division Street Cobourg on Friday January 9, 2015 at 3 pm, followed by a reception at the family home.  Arrangements have been entrusted to MacCoubrey Funeral Home 30 King St. E., Cobourg. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com. The family wishes to thank the Staff of the Hospital and mums loving caregivers especially Tess Escobar who assisted mum into her final days.  In addition the family is grateful for the extraordinary kindness and caring of Janet Adams, Director CCAC Port Hope these past few years.