Obituary of Jane Newton MacDonald

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jane Newton MacDonald on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick, with her family by her side. She was born January 6, 1943, in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of the late Marguerite and Dexter Newton of Westborough, Massachusetts. 

The most important thing in her life was her family. She will be greatly missed by her beloved husband Ian Murray MacDonald, son Ian Andrew and daughter Jennifer Ellen, daughter-in-law Circe Moss, and her only grandchild, Phoebe Sage. She is also survived by: her brothers, Jim (Audrey) Newton, Dexter (Mary Kay) Newton, Charlie (Ellen) Newton, and her siblings-in-law, Sharon MacDonald, Carol Hazeldon (Russel), Edward MacDonald (Jane Henson), and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Growing up in Westborough with her three brothers, Jane enjoyed many outdoor adventures and athletic activities. She spent summers in the woods of Maine as a camper and then as a counselor. She was a certified Junior Maine Guide, and an inspirational camp leader who empowered hundreds of young girls in their development of life skills.

Jane attended Beaver College studying physical education. She excelled at field hockey and was a star on the lacrosse field. After spending a year living in London, Jane married her husband Ian and moved to Canada. She became a teacher in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and supported Ian as he studied medicine at Dalhousie University.

After the birth of their 2 children, they moved to Fredericton where they have been active members of the community since 1972. Jane's volunteer work included teaching gymnastics at Garden Creek Elementary School, leading a Pathfinders unit, playing an essential role in the Fredericton Cancer Support Group, and devoting over 30 years of service to the Fredericton Public Library.

She enjoyed outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, tennis, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and camping every summer with family. Jane was a vital member of the Old Springhill Road neighborhood, a stalwart on the tennis court, and a talented craftsperson. Jane was caring, thoughtful, gentle, and tough. Her impact will last forever in the people she has helped and influenced.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all the healthcare workers who assisted Jane, especially the Extramural Hospital nurses and the Dialysis team.

A Celebration of Life Service at 2 pm followed by a reception will be held at McAdam's Funeral Home in Fredericton on Friday, August 25, 2023, officiated by Jane's daughter-in-law Circe Moss MacDonald. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation and Fredericton Public Library.