With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Merle MacDonald (nee Montgomery) of a heart attack on Sunday, May 14, 2023. Wife of Ronnie MacDonald, mother of Kaitlyn MacDonald (Tyler Barrette) and grandmother of Heidi. Sister of Barb (Bob) McArthur, Jane (late Tom) Anderson and Margie Greer (Ron McCarl). Sister-in-law to Debbie Santia, Diane (Ken) Green, Lori (Dennis) Modrits, Larry (Astrid) MacDonald, Sherry (Joe) Schaap. Aunt and great aunt to many adoring nieces, nephews, and their children. Merle is predeceased by her parents Tom and June Montgomery, father in law Ralph MacDonald and mother in law Marie MacDonald.
Merle had several passions in her life outside of her professional career which included keeping busy by taking on all sorts of DIY projects and she loved to spoil her friends, family, coworkers, and the community with her incredible baking, especially her incredible carrot cakes.
Merle was also a very gifted seamstress, her talents and creativity for operating a sewing machine and needle and thread that she could do almost anything from hemming her nephew's pants to creating blankets, pillows, and clothing from scratch. She was a talented athlete, who loved the friendships and the competition.
Merle was a dedicated Educational Assistant with the Simcoe County District School Board for over 30 years, with 20 of those years, being the welcoming smile students were greeted with every morning at the Creemore school. Her love and support for the students and their families she supported did not end when the bell rang at the end of the school day, she also cared tremendously about her coworkers, being well known around the entire board.
Merle was an active member in the community always wanting to show her support by either being present for local events, volunteering when she could and contributing to community dinners.
A celebration of life will be held between 1pm-4pm on Saturday May 20th, 2023, at the Creemore Legion.
Donations can be made to Hospice Georgian Triangle, Sick Kids, or a Charity of your choice in memory of Merle. Friends may visit Merle’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com