Cherry Macdonald

On January 11, 2014, Cherry Elizabeth (Gourlay) Macdonald peacefully passed away, just as she was born, surrounded by the mountains.

Life began in Banff, on September 16, 1928 when she was born to Hugh and Ellen Gourlay.

Growing up in Banff with her two older brothers was a wonderful experience. Armed with their imaginations, they had the freedom and space to play and explore the mountains with their friends. After graduating high school, Cherry boarded a train and headed east to attend McGill University, in the faculty of Agriculture and Home Economics at Macdonald College. In 1950, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, with a focus in teaching. After two years of teaching Home Ec in Buckingham, Quebec, the call of the west was heard, and she returned to Alberta to teach at Westmount Jr. High and Victoria Composite High School in Edmonton.

As it happens in Banff, Cherry was home for a spring ski break, and she met her future husband, Bruce Macdonald (who was managing the Hudson Bay store) at a party. They were married on June 22, 1957 in St. George's-in-the-Pines Anglican Church.

Bruce's career took them back east to St. Catharines and Toronto, where their daughter Laura was born. After joining the J.C. Penney Company, they moved to the United States, where their son Douglas and daughter Catharine were born. The family settled in Big Rapids, Michigan. Once the children were in school, Cherry resumed a career as the County Home Economist and the Michigan State University Extension Office. Life was busy and active with involvement Meceola Golf and Country Club, volunteer and service work with the Intermediate Women's Club, bridge club, and many friends.

After Bruce's death in 1981, the call of the mountains was heard once again, Cherry returned to Banff with her daughter Cathy. A teaching position would take them to Edson, Alberta where Cherry taught Home Ec at Parkland Composite High School until 1994. With retirement, Cherry returned to Banff - once again living on the same street that she was raised on – Otter Street.

Cherry was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and loyal friend to many. She had an easy way about her with a quick smile. She was gracious, and taught us to be kind, forgiving and resilient, instilling independence and confidence in her children and grandchildren. Her pie-making was sublime. You could always count on delicious homemade cookies, muffins and a meal when you entered her kitchen. She was a passionate quilter and sewer - her legacy will live on in fabric. An excellent golfer, bridge player and gardener - despite the elk and deer. Her day was not complete without a cup of tea. She adored her grandchildren and spent hours' playing card games with them. She was an active member of the Mount Temple chapter of the I.O.D.E., Mountain Cabin Quilters Guild and member of St. George's-in-the-Pines Anglican Church.

She predeceased by her husband Bruce Macdonald, parents Hugh A. and Ellen Gourlay, brothers Frank A. Gourlay, and Hugh (Bud) L. Gourlay.

She is survived by her children Laura (Michael) Kennedy of Liberty Township, Ohio, Douglas Macdonald of Delray Beach, Florida, and Catharine Macdonald of Banff, Alberta; grandchildren Alexis Kennedy, Blaire Kennedy, Zackary Macdonald, and Lindsay Macdonald; nieces and nephews Timothy Gourlay, Greg (Maureen) Gourlay and family, Jenny (Kevin) Gourlay-Rierson and family, Linda Gray, and Sandy Staples and family.

Her family would like to thank the nursing staff at Mineral Springs Hospital, Dr. Chambers, Dr. Blaney, Banff Community Health Unit, and Cascade House for the continual kindness and care they provided.

A Celebration of Life for Cherry was held on Saturday,

January 18, 2014 in St. George's-in-the-Pines Anglican Church

in Banff.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to remember Cherry may make donations to the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital Memorial Fund,

P.O. Box 1050, Banff T1L 1H7

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.