Obituary of Margaret MacDonald

Marg D MacDonald (nee Fisher) 

She was many things—an artist, a teacher, a musician, a military wife, a mother, a Nanna, sister, Aunt,—but more than that, she was a force of nature, defined by passion, creativity, and love in all she did. 

Margaret "Marg” MacDonald (née Fisher) was born on December 16, 1935, and passed away peacefully surrounded by love. She lived a life rich in music, art, family, and purpose. She worked abroad in her early 20s, where fate intervened. While in Germany, she met the love of her life, Alexander (Sandy) Joseph MacDonald. They were married on June 28, 1963, and shared 62 beautiful years together. As a proud military spouse, she embraced the lifestyle with grace—moving 14 times (plus two homes in Petawawa!), making each place a home, and becoming the quintessential hostess—hosting socials, dinner clubs, and always finding community wherever they went. 

Margaret’s love of music shaped her life and the lives of those around her. She studied piano completing her Royal conservatory requirements,and composing her own pieces. Her main instrument was her voice and she was a singer with the Earle Terry Singers from London. They performed all over including multiple trips in Europe. A natural leader, she directed choirs—including Sweet Adelines and church ensembles—and wrote and composed entire musical productions such as It Makes a Good Story and Another Good Story in Wainwright Alberta. Her talents found further expression in local and college theatre productions, including those at DeKalb College, where she graduated alongside her eldest daughter. 

Teaching was another of Margaret’s gifts. Armed with a teaching degree, she taught elementary school and later substituted at both elementary and high school levels. She was also a beloved piano teacher, nurturing a love of music in her students. She had a sharp mind, a strong will, and a classic “stern but loving” teaching style that made a deep impression. 

Never one to rest on a single passion, Margaret found joy in visual arts—painting, photography, and eventually running her own custom framing business. She sewed everything from formal gowns to daywear and was a proud supporter of the arts, serving on the board of the Kitchener-Waterloo Orchestra and championing local theatre. She even dabbled in sales as a Vanda Beauty Counselor and in TupperWare distributor as part of the nomadic military lifestyle. 

But of all her roles, perhaps none brought her more joy than being “Nanna” (or “Nanamon”) to her grandchildren. She was firm, funny, endlessly creative, and deeply loving. A woman of boundless energy and remarkable talents, Margaret was a devoted mother to Sylvia (Ian) and Cat, and a proud grandmother to Heather, Alex, and Michael. She leaves behind her beloved husband Sandy, her sister Katherine Cochrane (née Fisher), and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind countless friends and former students who carry her memory and lessons with them. 

Margaret believed in the power of a good story—and she created a beautiful one of her own. 

We will miss you, Margaret. Thank you for your songs, your stories, your laughter, and your love. 

If you wish to honor her memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, or the Earl Terry Scholarship Fund , your local community theatre or orchestra, or a foundation supporting dementia research.