MACDONALD, Melba (nee BARRETT) - Suddenly, on November 19, 2021 at Credit Valley Hospital at the age of 90.
Melba left this world peacefully, knowing how deeply she was cared for and loved by her family, who have been close by her side over the last months of her life. Wife of the Late Leverett MacDonald for 59 years.
Loving mother of Lynne (Remigio) Ken, Gordon (predeceased), Stephen and Karen (Howard).
Adoring grandmother to Rebecca, Robert, Kathryn, Keely, Adam (predeceased), Eleni, Steven, Richard, Victoria and Mitchell. Melba was so overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to Lee, Avery, Gower and Everleigh.
A teacher all her working life, most of those years as a grade one teacher in Etobicoke, there are so many former students who called her Mom in those early days of their schooling.
After raising her children she was able to devote more time to this passion, singing and competing as a Sweet Adeline for 30 years and playing piano at seniors' homes and retirement residences.
She was a mentor, leader and coach to many new and younger Sweet Adelines. A longtime member, past president and treasurer of River Grove Seniors, Melba deeply missed her regular carpet bowling and curling outings during COVID-19.
Born the only child of John Barrett and Hilda Black in a farming community in Winchester, Ontario, Melba treasured her cousins like siblings and delighted in following their lives and the lives of their extended families.
Special remembrances of Genevieve (predeceased), more sister than cousin; and Gus, all-time soul mate cousin. The family would like to thank everyone at Heritage Glen Retirement Residence for their caring and especially the "ladies who lunch".
A private celebration of Melba's life will take place at later date.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada or to Norval United Church.
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