Obituary of Rita Gwendolyn McDonald

MCDONALD (nee Phalen), Rita Gwendolyn (Gwen) - Passed away peacefully on Monday March 12, 2012 at the St. Catharines General Hospital at the age of 83 with her loving family at her side. Beloved wife of 57 years of Kenneth McDonald and caring mother to Miles (Susan), Gregor (Rena), Daryl (Michele), Donald (Susan) and Kenneth (Brenda). Proud Nanny to Erica, Elizabeth, Sarah Phalen, Kristin, Daniele, Shawna, Catharine, Christianne, Kenneth, Cassidy and Jonathon. Gwen was born April 8, 1929 in Glace Bay Nova Scotia and Graduated St. Anne's School and entered St. Joseph's School of Nursing, graduating in 1952 as a R.N. Married to Ken on August 2, 1955 they moved to St. Catharines with three sons in 1960 and added two more once here. Gwen nursed at the Hotel Dieu Hospital in St. Catharines where she was affectionately known as "Mac". The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and all staff in the PCU at the St. Catharines General Hospital for their care and compassion during Gwen's brief stay. The family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street on Thursday from 2:00-4:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Alfred's Church 272 Vine St. on Friday at 11:00a.m. Cremation to follow and interment at a later date. Vigil prayers will be celebrated in the funeral home on Thursday at 3:00p.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.