Obituary of Karen Debra Ann MacDonald

1955 – 2022

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Karen MacDonald on December 29, 2022, while surrounded by family.

Karen was born on December 13, 1955, in Toronto, ON, to Margaret and Samuel (Augustus) Swyers. She was the only girl in the family with her five brothers (Steve, Bob, Rick, Dave and Ed).

Karen met the love of her life, Rick, at work, and the two hit it off immediately. She followed Rick to Calgary in the early 1980s, and after their wedding on December 29, 1984, they started building a life and a family in the West.

To Karen, her family and friends were everything. She and Rick poured their hearts into raising their three children; Shelley, Gregory and Michael. Their family continued to expand, and Karen welcomed every new member with abundant love. Her dreams came true with the addition of her four granddaughters.

Karen created a home where family and loved ones gathered to share drinks and an abundance of food, including baking and 'appies.' She had a warm, generous heart, and many knew her as a safe haven to talk. Karen’s creativity was a gift she shared with others to make them feel loved.

After years at home raising her family, Karen started working in administration for several schools within the CBE until her retirement in 2021. “Mrs. MacDonald” was treasured by the children and their parents. She thoroughly enjoyed her work and colleagues, many of whom became dear friends.

Being by the ocean was one of Karen’s happy places. Travelling to hot, sunny destinations with family or friends created special memories.

Karen is deeply missed by her husband Rick, daughter Shelley (Darcy, daughter Hailey), son Gregory (daughters Hailey and Shayla), and son Michael (Jennifer, daughter August). She is missed by extended family, friends and all the people lucky enough to witness her loving heart and experience her caring and generous nature.

We love you; thank you for loving us. Your joy will continue to give and grow through your kids and the grandkids, friends and other loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. MacDonald’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

Feel free to come dressed in colour to help celebrate the vibrant life Karen lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Karen to the Red Cross, World Vision, Alberta Children’s Hospital, The Mustard Seed or a charity of your choice.

In living memory of Karen MacDonald, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Thank you for joining us for the live streaming of this event

(The event start time on our video player has automatically adjusted to match your time zone)

Our technical team does everything possible to ensure the best quality of the live-stream service. 

Unfortunately, there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.

We apologize if this is the case with today’s live stream, but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.