Passed away peacefully at Etobicoke General Hospital in Etobicoke, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.  She was a former Oshawa Foods Employee for 25 years. Beloved wife of the late Joseph MacDonald.  Dear mother of Dennis (Emma) MacDonald of Oakville, Christina (Rob) Tamburro of Woodbridge, and Larry (Bonnie) MacDonald.  Grandmother of Stephen (Ally), Melissa (Mitchel), Robyn and Natalie. Great-grandmother of Margaret (Stephen) and Madison (Melissa).  Pre-deceased by sister Brenda (Chris) MacDonald.

Mary-Lou had been battling dementia for several years. In January, as her condition continued to deteriorate, she was moved from a seniors' residence into a long-term care facility. 

On October 17, she suffered a fall at the LTC facility that resulted in a trip to the emergency department. We visited her the following day, and the hospital advised us they were planning to discharge her back to the LTC home once the physician signed off on the release. She returned to the facility at approximately 2:00 a.m. on October 19.

On October 20, we received a call from the LTC facility. After meeting with the care team, we made the decision to send her back to the hospital.

It was later determined that mom had suffered a mini-stroke and was also battling pneumonia. Her condition continued to worsen, and with each passing day she experienced increasing pain and discomfort. Two and a half weeks later, in the early hours of November 7, she passed away peacefully.

November 7 was also the day our father passed away 21 years earlier.

We do not believe that was a coincidence. We truly believe that my dad and God were calling her home when the time was right.

A private family graveside service will be held at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Phelpston.  

If desired, memorial donations in Mary-Lou's memory may be made to the Candadian Cancer Society.