Madge MacDonald

1927 - 2020

 Madge MacDonald, longtime resident of the Craven, Saskatchewan area and more recently of Southern Alberta, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Thursday, November 5, 2020 in Taber, two weeks short of her 93rd birthday.

 Maggie Jane (Madge) Foster was born on November 20, 1927, in Springbank, Ayrshire, Scotland, the second eldest child in her large family. An honour student, she left school at the age of fourteen to help her parents with the household and younger siblings. When Madge met Andy MacDonald while working at a local farm, a love story began that has lasted more than seventy years, and will endure for generations. They married in 1952 and started their family, later immigrating to Canada in 1957.

 A longtime member of the Craven United Church Women’s group, Madge enjoyed gardening, tea with friends, hosting holiday gatherings and above all else, caring for others. One of her proudest accomplishments was her many years of work as a nurse’s aide at the Sunset Extendicare in Regina, Saskatchewan and she continued to assist as a community volunteer in her retirement.

 With her unflappable nature, Madge wasn’t a rock in the storm so much as she was the strongest tree — a comparison that would’ve had her shooting “the look” since she was the shortest of us all. Stubborn but patient, bending around whatever obstacles appeared, she gave us roots to grow from, and shelter to return to. She never minced words and would tell you exactly what was on her mind! But it was a bright and open mind, full of thoughtfulness and compassion. And nothing lit up her beautiful face more than children.

 Madge was predeceased by many people she loved and it would be impossible to list them without accidental omission, but particularly heartbreaking was the loss of a daughter in childbirth, and her granddaughter Shanna.

 Cherished memories of Madge will be held in the hearts of Andy, her husband of more than sixty eight years and their children Robert (Sharon) of Stirling, Harry (Georg) of Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Ian (Evey) of Taber, Andy (Deb †) of Doha Qatar and Heather (Brian) of Calgary. Ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren will also miss her and share stories of her love.

 A service to honour and celebrate the life and legacy of Madge MacDonald will be arranged in the future.