Marilyne McDonald

Marilyne McDonald was born October 21st, 1958 to the Dene tribe of Canada.  Marilyne passed away peacefully on Friday, September 1st, 2023 in the presence of her dearest friend Roberta, and her MJFFC family. 

Ɂahonedı̨́ is the Dene word for SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.  This statement encompasses the essence of who Marilyne was and how she will be remembered by all who loved her.  She loved all the pretty and sparkly things.  Her collection of purses, phones, scarves, and sunglasses was unmatched by any other.  These items were her pride and joy.  She never went anywhere or did anything without them. 

Marilyne spent many years living in Valley View Centre and was a part of the community integration program.  She was one of the first people to move into the Kinsmen HIP home with Moose Jaw Families for Change Inc.  From the day that Marilyne moved into the HIP house, she made it very clear that she makes her own rules.  Marilyne refused to give up and broke down barriers each and every day of her life and refused to conform to any ideology other than her own. 

If you were lucky enough to see her eyes light up and the smile come across her face whenever she was gifted a new purse, you knew you were in the presence of true unadulterated joy.  This statement holds true if you were also lucky enough to be in her presence when any man who donned a uniform walked by her. 

Marilyne was a pivotal piece of the MJFFC puzzle and community.  She loved attending Church of Our Lady Bingo and Saturday night mass, Special Olympics bowling, dollar stores, the casino, and her day program at the Kinsmen Inclusion Center. 

We want to thank the Dr. F.H Wigmore Regional Hospital, Dr. Vermaak, MJFFC staff and participants for the continued love and support you all have offered to Marilyne.

Marilyne’s staff, past and present had become her family, the community of Moose Jaw had become her family, her house mates and peers became her family.  These people were her chosen family who would rally for her, support her, love and cherish her until she took her last breath.

She is strong. She is fierce. She is unstoppable. She is loved.

A Celebration of Marilyne’s Life will be held on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Rosedale Cemetery, with the celebration to follow at the Kinsmen Inclusion Center, 335 4th Ave SW, Moose Jaw, SK.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Cara Ashworth Funeral Director 306-693-4550