Lynda Ann MacDonald (née Phillips) died peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the age of 76, after living with ALS.

If you knew Lynda, you knew she loved a good Jewish goodbye. She was funny, anxious, loving, stubborn, loyal, generous, overprotective, resilient, opinionated, occasionally maddening, and deeply, deeply human. She loved fiercely, worried competitively, gave unsolicited advice as an act of devotion, and could hold a grudge and hold your hand at exactly the same time.

ALS brought many losses, but it never diminished the essence of who she was. One of the greatest surprises of her final year was that, despite a lifetime of worrying about everything, she never complained about the illness itself. She met what came with grace, resilience, and an unwavering concern for the people she loved.

Lynda died as she wished, in her own bed and surrounded by love.

We think we know the people we love. And then, sometimes at the very end, they surprise us. If we’re paying attention, we get the privilege of meeting them one more time.

She was Lynda. She was Lyndy-Lu. She was Patty-Pacemaker. She was Bubie. She was Mom.

May her memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ALS Canada or charity of your choice.

Following the service, and reception, and per Lynda’s wishes, she will be cremated and interred with her love, Douglas, at a later date. In lieu of a formal shiva, friends and loved ones are warmly invited to reach out personally, share memories, and connect with the family in the weeks ahead.