It is with profound sadness, and an abundance of love, that the family of Marilyn (Lynn) Macdonald announces her peaceful passing on March 10th, 2026, at the age of 76. Surrounded by her beloved daughters, Lynn passed away after a tremendously courageous battle with cancer, facing her illness, as she faced everything in life, with grace, strength, and an unshakeable sense of positivity.

Born in Durban, South Africa, Lynn grew up there before moving with her family to Cape Town. True to her adventurous spirit, she headed to London after high school to train as an aesthetician. It was back in South Africa where she met her late husband, Alistair Macdonald, the love of her life. Together they made homes in England and Scotland, where their daughters were born, before returning to South Africa. Lynn made her final move with her daughters, immigrating to Canada and calling Oakville, Ontario home in 1996.

Above all else, Lynn was a devoted and deeply loving mother, stepmother, and grandmother. Her family was the great joy and purpose of her life, and her love for her children and grandchildren was boundless and unconditional. Her home was always open, and friends of Kathryn and Fiona knew they could turn to Lynn for comfort, advice, support, and sometimes simply a place to land. She hosted with joy, loved without condition, and had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel truly seen and cared for.

Lynn's love of the world expressed itself in everything she did. As a tour guide, she brought groups of travellers to the far corners of the globe, including China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and across Europe, sharing her passion and warmth with everyone fortunate enough to travel alongside her. She was also a devoted cruiser, finding great joy in her many voyages. Closer to home, Lynn was a gifted and passionate bridge player, and some of her most treasured Oakville friendships were formed around the bridge table. Voraciously well-read and sharply attuned to current events, she could hold her own in any conversation, whether about world affairs or the latest match.

Those who knew Lynn described her with a remarkable consistency: kind, warm, thoughtful, caring, loving, strong, resilient, adventurous, and loyal. She embodied each of these not as an aspiration but as simply who she was. Through quiet example, she taught those around her how to face hardship without losing hope, how to keep family at the center of everything, and how to always find the good in any situation.

Lynn will be joyfully reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Alistair, her great love. Though he passed nearly 34 years ago, she carried him with her always, with a deep and faithful love that never dimmed. She is lovingly survived by her daughters Fiona Macdonald-Chmelyk (Sean) and Kathryn Vandenbogaard (Jason); her stepchildren Andrew Macdonald (Hilary) and Moira Macdonald (Anna); and her eight cherished grandchildren Alexandra, Jennafer, Colin, Abigail, Isla, Luke, Isobel, and Nicholas. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Denise Eayrs. She was predeceased by her parents, Gloria and Ted Eayrs.

Lynn's greatest legacy was the love she gave so freely and the lives she touched so deeply. At the center of everything she did was her family, and it is they who carry her forward. Her strength, her warmth, and her boundless love live on in each of them, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be missed beyond measure and loved always.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the remarkable doctors, nurses, and staff of the Cancer Centre and Palliative Care Unit at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, and the Community Palliative Care team. Their kindness, compassion, and exceptional care were a source of great comfort to Lynn and to all who love her. We are deeply and sincerely grateful. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lynn may be made to the Oakville Hospital Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, March 20th, 2026 at Walton Memorial United Church in Oakville. A reception will follow at the Bronte Boathouse. All who knew and loved Lynn are warmly welcome.