Mary Ellen MacDonald, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at Peter D. Clark Nursing Home in Ottawa, Ontario with her husband Peter by her side. Born on March 15,1938, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Ellen (Nichols) McKinlay.
She leaves behind her loving husband Peter and daughter Wendy MacDonald of Belleville, Ontario. She is also survived by her sisters: Liz Boudreau and Susan (Brad) Atkinson, both of Wedgeport; and Joyce (Ray) Boles of Stratford, PEI. Besides her parents, Mary Ellen was predeceased by her brothers, Jack and Tom and sister Margaret.
Born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, she lived life to the fullest, starting an early and brief career as Little Miss Sunshine on the local radio station. She later joined the Armed Forces and met the love of her life, Peter. She travelled by his side to his many military postings, spending time in Belgium, Germany, France and several locations across Canada, creating life long bonds and friendships she treasured and nurtured for as long as she was able.
This lifestyle lead to many years on the road, even after retirement, spending time with family and friends all across the continent. The stories she had to tell were many from a life well lived, creating moments that lingered in the mind, friends that became family and having no regrets because she did it all.
She had a passion for politics and assisted many politicians with their aspirations and goals. She always took an interest in the world around her, the people surrounding her and those that mattered to her. She had a love of books; poems and music touched her soul. Music continued to be a comfort when her words were lost. Her love of life is the memory we ask you to hold on to.
“A life well lived is a legacy, of joy and pride and pleasure. A living, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure.“
Cremation has taken place, and the family invites you to join them for the Memorial Service being held on May 1st, 2026 at 10am in the Sacred Space at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON), followed by the interment in the National Military Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Mary Ellen may be made to the charity of your choice.
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