Carol Margaret MacDonald (nee Walker)
August 7, 1926 – June 9, 2022

It is with great sadness that the family of Carol Margaret MacDonald (Carol, Boo Boo, Mom, Nanny, Nana Carol, Nana the Great) announces her passing on June 9th, 2022 peacefully and surrounded by her loving family in Kelowna, BC at the age of 95. Carol was born and raised in Montreal, the eldest child of the late James Percival and Gertrude (Ruthie) Walker (nee Conway). Carol is predeceased by her siblings: Robert (Bobby) Walker; Patricia Collins; Marion St. Aubin; and Michael Walker; brothers-in-law, Guy St. Aubin, Stuart Smith and Frank Collins; and son-in-law, Ron Baker. She is survived by her sister, Beverly Smith and sister-in-law, Helene Walker; her four children, Heather Jack (Stuart); Susan MacDonald; Patricia MacDonald; and Richard MacDonald (Samantha); her grandchildren, Carolyn Jack (Carl-Eric Bouchard); Stephanie Jack (Luc Allard); Valerie Jack; Matthew Baker (Mary); Chad Baker (Monica); Sarah Thompson (Derek); and James, Grace and Alastair MacDonald; and great-grandchildren, Eloise Bouchard; Jon and Skyler Baker; Emily and Ben Baker; and Keegan and Alexis Thompson as well as her extended family.

Carol lived a full and extraordinary life and was always willing to face any challenge with strength and grace. As was common at the time, she left home at 14 years of age and quickly became self-sufficient. In her teenage years, she contributed to the WWll effort, initially working at the Defense Industries Ltd. in Verdun and Valleyfield (also known as “Nitro”), followed by employment at the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories site. She often spoke fondly of her time at Chalk River and the importance of her work. Following her marriage to the late Douglas James MacDonald in 1949, she relocated to Quebec City where their 3 daughters were born, subsequently returning to her roots in Montreal where their son was born. She was passionate about education for her family and returned to university in her 40’s to successfully complete her BA (Psychology) at Concordia University in 1976. When her children were older, Carol took on different roles including teacher and executive assistant at Bechtel Corporation. After relocating from Quebec to British Columbia, she was employed at several Federal Government agencies as the BC bilingual employee, happily working until she was 82 years old.

Carol was always curious about life, and greatly enjoyed helping others despite being a very independent person herself. She was proud of her Irish background and spoke about her family’s roots in Ballymena, County Antrim. She loved music and had a beautiful voice even at 95 years of age. She was a resourceful, gracious lady and modest about her many accomplishments. Few knew about her scholastic accomplishments or her dancing with Prince Charles in the 1970s when she and her husband as Executive Director of the Royal Victoria Hospital attended social events in Montreal. Carol greatly enjoyed being with her family, long walks, outdoor sports including skiing and to travel. She accompanied her family members on many trips to Ireland, Peru, China, Thailand, Jamaica, Japan, Europe and Guatemala as well as across Canada and the United States. Her amazing smile and compassionate nature lit up the room wherever she was. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank her doctors, Dr. Jennifer Parsons and Dr. Mark Fok, and the staff at the Mission Creek Landing home for their kindness and care of our Mom.

Cremation has taken place at Springfield Funeral Home in Kelowna. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 1st, 2022 at 10am in Montreal at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex, 1297 chemin de la Foret, Outremont followed by burial within the Walker family plot. Family will receive condolences at 9am. A Celebration of Life is also planned for Vancouver and further details will be available once the planning is complete. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors without Borders or to the charity of your choice.