Alice Marie Mcdonald

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, London Neighbourhood, announce the death of our dear Sister Alice Marie McDonald at the Residence of the Sisters of St. Joseph at 485 Windermere Road in London. Sister died on Friday November 24, 2017 accompanied on the last part of her journey by the Sisters along with our Nursing Staff.

Sister Alice Marie, (Margaret Loretta McDonald) was born in St. Thomas, Ontario on February 2, 1921, and joined the Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1941. She is remembered with affection by all her CSJ Sisters as well as many nieces and nephews and other relatives. Predeceased by her mother Mary Alice (Moore), and her father Joseph Michael, her sister, Rosemary Wittig, and brother, Gerard.

Sister Alice Marie was best known for her years as an educator. She began her teaching career in London in 1942 at St. Michael's School, and continued there and at Blessed Sacrament School until 1956. She completed her B.A. at UWO during the summers and her B.Ed. at the U of Toronto in 1957 when she was named supervising Principal of the Catholic Schools in London. She later obtained her Supervisory Officers papers, and served as Area Superintendent for the London Middlesex Separate School Board. During her years in education, Sister volunteered her services in many additional capacities, teaching summer school to teachers in Uganda, Africa, and in Kingston Jamaica. She was curriculum coordinator for the Catholic Schools in London, and a Member of the Royal Commission on Education. Living and Learning, which produced the Hall-Dennis report. Sister was elected to the General Council of the Congregation in 1971 and served as Assistant General Superior until 1979, having responsibility for all the educational ministries of the community. During those years, she was active on the London Public Library Board, the Board of Regina Mundi High School, and was editor of "Gallant Goals", a grade 6 reader published by Ginn, Co. After leaving her role in leadership, Sister Alice Marie served on the Regional Marriage Tribunal as Auditor, and later Coordinator, and Director. She loved her work as Diocesan Coordinator of the ministry to Separated and Divorced Catholics, and forged loving and lasting relationships with many in that ministry. Later, she volunteered at Parkwood hospital, in the Veteran's library, where she gave of her time and expertise with joy and generosity. Sister also volunteered many years at our St. Joseph's Hospitality Center where she was part of the Friday Crew.

Sister Alice Marie was a master story-teller. Being with her at a meal, or social event was always an adventure as she entertained with countless stories, always entertaining. Many of her facial wrinkles were, in truth, laugh lines, etched into a beautiful smile. As a leader and administrator, she was known for being forthright and very respectful, with a gift for speaking difficult truths with honesty and compassion, always leaving the other person feeling better off for the sharing. An amazing educator, administrator and congregational member, Alice will be sorely missed by all her sisters in community, and by all who had the privilege of knowing or working with her.
All services will be held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 485 Windermere Road, London, Ontario.
Visitation will be on Monday, November 27, 2:30 - 4:30 and 7:00 - 8:30 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

· Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, November 28th at 11:00 am, with visitation from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Rev. P. Baillargeon will preside.
Interment St. Peter's Cemetery, London