Obituary of Bridget McDonald
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the sweetest mom and Nana there ever was, Bridget McDonald. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on the evening of September 11th, 2022. She was 82.
Her passing is only made easier by the knowledge that she and her beloved husband Jack are now together again.
Deeply loved and remembered by; her son John and his wife Robyn, her daughter Julie and her husband Michael and her dearest grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As a mom, Bridget was unwaveringly devoted to her children, ensuring that we never questioned how much we were loved and supported. Everything she did, she did for us. We were two of the luckiest kids ever, simply because she was our mom!
Bridget’s reason for fighting so hard these past years was so that she could enjoy seeing the other loves of her life - her grand-children and great grand-children - grow and flourish! Never have a group of kids had a bigger cheerleader or a more steadfast supporter. She forged a unique and special bond with each of her “girls and boys” and she was proud beyond words of each of them.
Her memory will be carried forward with love and deep affection by; Abigail, Lindsay, Emily, Maia, Ella, Cal, Roan,Georgia, Blair and Quinn.
Bridget was born in Scotland and after losing both of her parents, she bravely came to Canada at only 19 years of age. She stayed with a Scottish couple she knew in Kingston while she completed her studies and became a successful nurse at the Kingston General Hospital.
One night, her Scottish friends introduced her to a young man in the Rob Roy Pipe Band called Jack. When she would tell this story, she always said that it was love at first sight for him, but she wasn’t so sure!!! But it was just for effect…as Bridget and Jack lived a love story that was once in a lifetime. They were two souls born worlds away that were meant to find one another. They built a wonderful life together, raised a family and spent every moment they could together…they were inseparable.
When she lost her beloved Jack, she made a choice to rebuild her life. The bravery that brought her to this country and the limitless love she had for her children, gave her the strength and willingness to start over.
Bridget was a fighter and the bravest woman any of us will ever have the privilege of knowing. When faced these past years with a situation that would cause most people to give up, she instead chose to face each day with determination, grace and a zest for life that most of us take for granted. She became an artist and a profound storyteller. She redefined who she was and again started a new chapter for herself.
The world has lost a woman who touched absolutely everyone she ever met. Her family grieves her loss with her many friends, especially Mary, Irene and Linda.
Bridget was the youngest of six children and is survived by her sister Mary Nelson.
She was inspirational in her bold unwillingness to let life define who she was and how she chose to live her life. She was a force of nature that lived life devoted to loving as fully and as deeply as the human heart will allow.
She can rest easy now, knowing that she left behind a legacy of love and dedication to family. None of us ever wondered just how much we were loved by Bridget.
Heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Providence Care and at the John M Parrott Centre for the care and love they shared with our mom over these past years. Our family will never be able to find the words to thank you all.
Bridget is in the care of the James Reid Funeral Home. There will be a visitation on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 10:00 - 10:50 am with a Liturgy of the Word to follow in the Chapel at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Cataraqui Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The John M. Parrott Centre - Music Program in Bridget's memory.
