Obituary of Mary Anne McDonald

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Anne McDonald. Mary Anne passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, surrounded by family.  She is at peace now after her arduous journey, diagnosed in August 2021 with advanced cecal colon cancer.

Mary Anne, Mom…Baba is lovingly remembered and survived by her husband of 53 years, Don; children Corey, grandson Gabe; Jaret (Melanie), grandchildren Amelia and Brody; Ryan (Jara), granddaughters Ryla and Brynn; Leah (Jeff), granddaughters Olivia and Violet; sister Iris Lowrence; brother-in-law Eugene Olenick; two nieces, five nephews; as well as many great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; and sister Patricia Olenick.

Mary Anne was born in Kamsack, SK to Elsie (nee Barabash) and Metro Lasko. She grew up on a loving Ukrainian farm south east of Pelly, bustling with extended family, where she loved the busy summer kitchen canning for the winter, fresh baking coming from the outdoor clay oven at her grandparents, fond memories of her dad harnessing up the horses and getting hot rocks to tuck under their blanket, and watching her parents cut and stook wheat while she played and read books with her sisters.

Mary Anne independently moved to Regina at the young age of 15 to then complete Business Administration at Success Business College. She worked her way up through the Credit Union in Moose Jaw, after years put in, she returned to Regina leaving the bank for a fond career at the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, then a career move to Grizzly International Flying Club, until deciding to give up the city life to raise a family on a farm. Mary Anne and Don purchased land north of Buffalo Pound Lake, adopting Bethune, SK as their new community for the next 37 years where they raised their four children. In 2013, Mary Anne and Don retired to Buena Vista, SK, becoming the weekend and summer hub of children and grandchildren. Mary Anne was quick to settle in, never showing up empty handed to her neighbours, turned great friends.

Mary Anne is known for her child like twinkle, inner strength, determination, strong will and beauty. She had an ability to make something from nothing, never sitting down, being kind and generous. Mary Anne could make a gourmet dinner, with leftovers from the fridge, kitchen counters, more often than not, covered in fresh baking. Baking that was shared every Christmas in large trays and assortment. She could grow anything, including a farm-sized garden to feed a family of six over the winter. Mary Anne could decorate the house and make it look like it came out of a magazine, and not lose the essence of home, filled with family photos, memories, and seasonal bouquets made effortlessly by her.

Mary Anne’s grandkids all had a special bond with her, from learning to bake over video calls, hearing her encouragement when learning to waterski, to getting scolded for wearing a hat in the house and being a person they could easily connect with and talk to about anything.  Baba will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, plant your own garden, share your excess produce and be sure to plant plenty of flowers to bring into your home!

Mary Anne requested that any monetary donations be made to the Palliative Care Unit at Regina Pasqua Hospital.