LAURIE LYNN MACDONALD

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Laurie Lynn MacDonald who died on April 14, 2024 following a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 55 years of age.

She was predeceased by her father John (1993), sister-in-law Shelagh (2012) and mother-in-law Moira (2023).

She leaves to mourn her husband Kevin; her children, Caleigh (Carlos) and David; mother Lorraine; sisters, Cheryl (Rob), Tracey (Chris), and Kim (Richard); father-in-law, Allan; brother and sister-in-law Maureen and Sean (Alicia); and many friends.

Laurie was born in Winnipeg to John and Lorraine Mushmanski in 1968, the eldest of four daughters. She spent much of her early years playing baseball with the neighbourhood kids, camping with her family, and hanging out with a group of friends with whom she would remain close her entire life. Following graduation from Maples Collegiate in 1986, she went on to have a long and successful career in several departments at Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba Hydro International.

Always an active person, she joined the lawyers’ volleyball league, and in 1991 met Kevin, the man who would become her husband and best friend for more than 30 years. They were married in February 1993 and had two children, Caleigh and David, born in 1995 and 1997 respectively. For the rest of her life, her most important and most rewarding job was being their mother. It was a job she excelled at. 

Upon receiving her first cancer diagnosis in 2020, she chose to retire from Manitoba Hydro International in order to deal with the various treatments required to fight this disease. When her first treatments were complete, she and Kevin decided to spend as much time as possible travelling. They had extended visits to their “happy place” in Mesa, Arizona, and made various shorter trips to Las Vegas, Nashville, Minneapolis, Toronto, Madge Lake, Detroit Lakes, and most importantly to Brandon in 2023 for their daughter Caleigh’s wedding.

They also took two “bucket list” trips to Europe in 2022 and 2023 and spent parts of two winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

When the cancer returned in July 2023, she decided to spend her last few months making the most of the time she had left. She was thrilled to be able to attend Caleigh and Carlos’s wedding in Brandon in October 2023 prior to restarting cancer treatments She made one final trip to Puerta Vallarta in January 2024, knowing it would be her last excursion, and was able to make lifelong memories with Kevin, Caleigh and David.

Always the planner, Laurie spent her last months trying to organize her affairs to ensure her family was prepared for her impending passing. She always had a “to do” list in the house, which included instructions on coping without her.

She was brave in the face of death, and we are comforted, knowing she will be reunited with her father, and her beloved furry friend and cancer treatment companion, Tucker.

In her final days Laurie had time to contemplate the things she believed to be most important to her. She believed in “making memories” every chance you get and to “never miss a chance to tell your family and friends that you love them”.

Laurie had a wonderful life. She often mentioned during her final days that she will be leaving this world with no regrets.

She wished to acknowledge a few of her many special friends that made her life so rich, and who brought her joy over the years. In particular, she wished to acknowledge the Maples Girls (and Rick G); her Mesa Girls; her Canasta Buddies; her dear friend Angie Gottfred, whom she described as the “Sister she Chose”; Marie Poole (her ‘Teal Sister’); and Mandy Onchulenko.  

She had so many other friends from both inside and outside of her work place, wonderful neighbours, beloved family members, and cherished acquaintances, who all impacted her life in a deep and meaningful way. 

She was grateful for her mother and her sisters for always being there when she needed them, and providing her with unlimited love and support during her cancer journey. She loved you all very much. 

Laurie always liked to have the last word, so in keeping with this, she left this final message for all that loved her so much:

“You can always wish that you had more time together, but what’s important is the time we DID HAVE together”

In accordance with Laurie’s wishes, there will be no service. A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Cancer Care Manitoba or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Laurie’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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