Karen Patricia (Leeder) McDonald

Karen Patricia McDonald (nee Leeder)

November 6, 1948 to April 7, 2022

After a brave battle with breast cancer, it is with sadness that I announce the passing of Karen Patricia McDonald at age 73 after a fulfilling life. Karen left us on April 7th at the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice in Kanata. She slipped away at 11:11am which is interesting since it was her desire to pass on at 11:00am which is her favorite time of day. Karen is pre-deceased by her parents Lorne and Theo Leeder and her sister Joan Leeder all from Brockville. She is survived by David McDonald, her husband of 48 years. She is also survived by her son Joshua (Cerise Latibeaudiere) and their four children Julian, Arianna, Gabriel and Alyssia. In addition survived by her siblings Barbara Moon (Glenn), Lambert (Irene) and Kevin, as well as, nieces and nephews. Over the years, Karen’s best friends included Barbara (sr), Irene (sil), Cerise (dil), Kathy (cou), Rose, Janet and Christiane (d).

Karen was born and raised in Brockville and grew up living on Georgina and Louis streets. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Brockville Collegiate High School. As a youngster, she had fond memories of swimming, skating and playing hide and seek with her many friends. Her favorite swimming spots were Brown’s Bay and St Lawrence Park while often skating at the Memorial Center.

She moved to Ottawa in her early twenties and was proud of going back to school at Algonquin College to complete grade 12. While attending Algonquin, she enrolled in some bookkeeping courses and realized she had an aptitude for bookkeeping and was able to make it her career for the next 40 years.

Karen and Dave married in 1974 while living in Ottawa. She enjoyed a number of hobbies and activities which evolved over the years including x-country skiing, camping, reading, cycling, squash, kayaking, gardening, walks and many concerts while living in Ajax and Ottawa. Of course, Karen always enjoyed a glass of wine.

Family was the most important part of Karen’s life especially Josh, Cerise and the grandkids. With the grandkids she displayed great patience and enjoyed board games, telling stories, attending sporting events and watching the kids grow. Karen was an exceptional grandmother and the kids enjoyed hanging out with her and soaking up all the love she bestowed on them.

In 1998, Karen and Dave moved back to Ottawa after living in Ajax for 17 years. The 23 years since moving to Ottawa have been the best years for both. During this time many of Karen’s dreams and aspiration came to fruition: we found the perfect home, her family life was solidified with four great grandkids, she developed lifelong friends, enjoyed hobbies and capped off her career with a successful home based bookkeeping business including 12 years working alongside Dave in his accounting practice.

Karen was a pack rat and yellow sticky note keeper. Her domain was the house and she took pride in gardening, cooking and keeping the house organized. Karen’s life was not straight forward but came with many bumps and curves. However, she found the last 23 years in Ottawa fruitful and fulfilling as she finally obtained what she set out to achieve in the beginning.

Karen was the bravest person I have ever met. Her battle with breast cancer lasted 14 months. The cancer spread during the final 5 months resulting in an agonizing aggressive brain tumour. She displayed exceptional bravery and strength and battled to the end. She had a strong will to live and displayed a complete absence of self-pity. While she was sick, we shared our most intimate memories and conversations. We made a pact to discuss her eventual death whenever possible, which got rid of the elephant in the room and made visits easier and allowed for a closer relationship. As Karen’s primary care giver I have never had a more important or gratifying job in my life. Every morning when I woke, I couldn’t wait to see and be with her. I miss her dearly. We shared numerous weepy moments together.

At Karen’s request she was cremated. Her family will hold a private ‘celebration of life’. It’s was Karen’s wish for her family and friends to remember her fondly and retell their stories and memories about their times together.

Karen’s family expresses a genuine appreciation for the excellent care provided at both The Ottawa Hospital’s Oncology / Palliative care clinic and the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice in Kanata where she spent her final month. At both facilities the care was exceptional. Despite being overly busy the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff looked after her well and treated her with respect and dignity. I would be remiss if I failed to mention Dr. Tony Sethuram her long-time family doctor who Karen viewed as her friend and not just her doctor. He was there for her for 23 years and always looked after her with care and thoroughness. Also Dr. Katerina Spacek her palliative care doctor at Ruddy Shenkman hospice, who is a gifted communicator and made Karen’s final days more bearable. Karen’s family requests that any donations be made in c/o Ruddy Shenkman Hospice.