Obituary of Mary Jane MacDonald

 The family of Mary Jane MacDonald announce with a mixture of sadness and gratitude the death of their Mom on Saturday evening April 9 th, 2022. Mary Jane will be thoroughly missed for many reasons including her distinctive blend of common sense, fun and generosity which spanned her 96 years. She also loved snowstorms and nice long drives!

Mary Jane was born March 4th, 1926 to Gray and Alice (Ayer) Prescott of Middle Sackville, NB, attended Mount Allison University, and commenced her working career with the Enterprise Foundry. She married J. Ian MacDonald of Campbellton in 1949. They moved to Fredericton in 1955 where they became involved in the community and joined the congregation of Nashwaaksis United Church. Mary Jane served as church secretary, a job she truly loved, for over 40 years and was a founding member of the UCW. She always remembered her childhood home in Middle Sackville, and often recalled memories and stories from her growing-up years there.

Mary Jane loved playing cribbage and card games into the wee hours with family and friends. She and Ian were never happier than when enjoying the company of friends and family in the home they built on Brookside Drive. Mary Jane remained in that home until the very end, apart from a single brief stay in hospital following the fall that led to her passing.

 She is survived by her 3 children, Jane Van Horne (John), Rev. Dr Jim MacDonald (Debbie) and Jeff MacDonald (Jacky), 8 grandchildren: Jennifer Van Horne, Julie Van Horne, Jill Van Horne (Naason), Caleb MacDonald (Dianne Churchill), Abbey MacDonald (Brandon), Heather, Phoebe and Ewan MacDonald; nephews Alan Prescott (Cindy) and Chris Prescott (Heather) and their children: Dr Erica Allen (James Richardson), Gray (Arden Bonokowski), Jessica (Luke), Spencer (Krista), Jared and Mason; niece Janet MacLeod plus greatgrandniece and great-grandnephews.

Mary Jane was pre-deceased by her husband Ian, her parents, brother Robert (Hazel) Prescott, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Allan and Catherine MacLeod, and one nephew David MacLeod.

We owe a huge Thank You to Mom’s beloved caregiver of 20 years, Brenda Luce, who was like a daughter, to her first cousin Margaret and to her recent live-in companion Donna. We also want to express immense gratitude to the palliative care teams at the DECH and the Extramural Hospital for their compassionate support, care, and attention.

A Celebration of Mary Jane’s life will take place from Nashwaaksis United Church on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 11 am with Rev. Kay Clowater officiating.  Mask wearing is encouraged.  A reception will follow the service.  Interment will take place in Douglas Rural Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Nashwaaksis United Church or a charity of your choice.  Personal condolences at www.yorkfh.com