Obituary of Shirley Jane MacDonald

Shirley Jane (Ward) MacDonald, 80, of Rusagonis, passed away at York Care Center, April 7, 2023. Born in Grangeville, NB, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Maria (MacArthur) Ward.
 

Married to Rev. Murray MacDonald on October 1, 1966, she was his steadfast and loyal companion as they served together in Baptist ministry for over 40 years in the three Maritime provinces. Shirley was a loving and devoted mother to her four children as well as a mother figure to many children in the neighborhoods where she lived during their time in ministry. Shirley was fun-loving and had a deep devotion to her faith, family and friends. She took great pleasure in gardening, crafts, puzzles, and enjoyed watching the birds and the company of her cat.

Shirley will be deeply and sadly missed by her loving husband Murray; children, Gordon (Ann), London, ON, Michael (Sharon), Margaree Valley, NS, Beth, Woodstock, NB, Timothy (Sarah), Drayton Valley, AB; her grandchildren, Ashlyn (Sean), Ainsleigh, Scotia, Lachlan, Ceilidh, Ciaran, Dakota, Madison, Cheyenne, Joshua, Nathaniel and Benjamin; great granddaughter, Kinley. She leaves her sister, Mary Stackhouse; brothers, Fred (Sharlyn) and Leonard (Iva); sisters-in-law, Sandra Ward and Joan Ward; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
 

Shirley was predeceased by her sister, Winnie Cook; brothers, Lawrence, Harry, Samuel and Billy; brothers-in-law, Clayton Cook and Edward Stackhouse; granddaughter, Megan.

A service to remember Shirley’s life will take place at Rusagonis Baptist Church, 4 Whittaker Road, Rusagonis, NB, Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 2:30pm. Reception to follow at the church. For thos unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available at the following link, https://vimeo.com/818159414 In the event of technical difficulties, a recording of the service will be available at the same link the following day.

For those who wish, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to Rusagonis Baptist Church, Grangeville Baptist Church, Margaree Valley Baptist Church or the donor’s choice.