We Remember

MACDONALD, Helen Louise

March 12, 1934 — January 22, 2025

On January 22 we lost our beautiful mother, Helen MacDonald, who was known for her gorgeous auburn hair and her fearless heart. She was quick to laugh, had a great sense of humour, and a loving heart.

Helen was born March 12, 1934, in Peterborough, Ontario, to Hazel and Carlos Dinsdale. She was the second of four children: Joan (deceased), Ronald, and Darryl. After her parent’s marriage ended, Helen lived with, and was raised by, her grandparents Alice and Jack Hetherington, also of Peterborough.

Helen graduated from high school at Peterborough Collegiate. She was very popular, had many friends, and happy times during these years. She received many awards for her excellent secretarial skills, typing and shorthand, which she put to good use during her working life.

In 1953, she moved to Toronto, Ontario, where she met and married Malcolm MacDonald in 1954. They eventually settled in Scarborough, Ontario where they worked hard, bought homes and raised a family. Her home was always a favourite gathering place for her kids and their friends, and she was like a 2nd mom to many of our friends. Helen worked for Rohm and Haas (a chemical and plastics company) until she retired 30 years later, having made numerous lifelong friends. She was a busy working mom and a dedicated hockey mom, supporting her son Scott through countless practices, games, and tournaments over the years.

In 1989, she reunited with Lou Nickle, her high school sweetheart, and they shared many happy years together, until Lou’s passing in 2004. Helen continued to live in Peterborough for several years after that and enjoyed playing cards, golfing, curling and going to the Casino with her friends. She had some memorable travel experiences, including an Alaskan cruise and 3 trips to Europe. She was always up for a new adventure.

In 2015, already in her 80s, she decided it was time to move to Kelowna, BC to be closer to her family. She sold her house and many of her belongings, hired movers, packed up her car and, along with her friends Jim and Audrey, drove her car out west. She was so brave.

Once in Kelowna, she joined The Newcomers, and made many new friends. She joined St Michael and All Angels Cathedral and found a warm and welcoming church family. She volunteered at Kelowna General Hospital and also at The Cupboard, a food bank run once a week at St Michael’s. At a distance, or close to home, she was a strong and enthusiastic supporter of every one of her families endeavours.

Left to mourn her passing are her 3 children: David (Michael), Heather (Steven), and Scott (Karla) as well as 6 grandchildren: Philip (Debra), Amelia (Wesley), Courtney, Jordan, Kolwyn, and Nicholas. She was blessed with 3 great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Owen, and Charlotte. Helen is also survived by her dear brother Darryl (Nancy). She will be sadly missed by her many special friends and family, too numerous to mention, but valued nonetheless.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Helen’s life will take place at a later date, when we return her to Peterborough, where her life started and her heart has always remained.

Rest in Peace Mom.

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