Obituary of Nancy Elizabeth MacDonnell

Nancy Elizabeth MacDonnell Passed away Sunday, August 27, 2006 after a short but hard fought battle with a brain tumor. Throughout Nancy�s struggle she was surrounded by her family - her loving husband of 39 years Phil, her three daughters Samantha Mascia (Mark), Sally Paradine (Simon) and Susie (Andrew), her grandchildren Charlie and William Mascia and soon to be third grandchild (aka "thumper�), her mother Helen Adams, sister Sally Medland (Bob, sons Andrew and John), brother Peter Adams (Marina), and brother-in-law Dick MacDonnell (Joanne and daughter Jennifer). Nancy lived her life to the fullest, with courage and conviction, diplomacy, a competitive spirit and a true zest for life. While her children were growing up, Nancy ran sixteen marathons, taught Sunday School at Rosedale United Church and was a Brownie leader. Nancy also took on many volunteering leadership roles including President of Planned Parenthood, President of Fife House, President of the Badminton and Racquet Club and recently Nancy joined the Board of SkyWorks Foundation. Nancy�s deepest passion was for Branksome Hall - sitting on various committees and the Board of Governors - which eventually led to her role as Director of Development, which she undertook tirelessly for thirteen years until her retirement in July 2005. Outside of work and volunteering, Nancy enjoyed travelling, golf, tennis, early morning runs, lots of laughter, a passion for food and a good glass of wine. Her friends were never far while she was enjoying these activities, and she had fond memories of her walking and biking adventures, her running group, gym buddies, Stony Lake crew and her Gourmet Lunch Group. Most of all, Nancy enjoyed spending time with Phil, her three daughters and their families. Nancy was gutsy, courageous, gracious, lots of fun and always made you want to be part of her team. Nancy was also unconditional in her love and inclusion. Nancy will be missed by many, but her innate tendency to think of and help others, her unfailing leadership, her desire to do more, her sense of fun and dedication and love for her family will be remembered forever. As she (and Branksome) would say "Keep Well the Road�. A memorial will be held on Tuesday, September 5th at 4 o�clock at ROSEDALE UNITED CHURCH, 159 Roxborough Drive. A celebration of Nancy�s 62 years of life will be held immediately following the service at Branksome Hall, 10 Elm Ave. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to the Nancy MacDonnell Fund for Branksome Hall at 416-920-6265 ext. 212 or online at www.branksome.on.ca (click Support Branksome).