March 23, 1940 – Pelly, Saskatchewan

April 23, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Roberta MacLise McDonald was born on a farm near Pelly, SK, on March 23, 1940. She was the fifth in a family of eleven children born and raised by Mary (nee Babey) and Eugene MacLise.

Roberta had many adventures throughout her life, including several European tours, being voted Queen of Agriculture during university, and even a stint in Los Angeles, CA, after university where she dated a stunt double from the movies. After Los Angeles, Roberta returned to Pelly, SK, where she met and married her husband of 56 years, Peter McDonald.

In addition to having a family of her own, Roberta enjoyed renovating houses wherever they relocated. Roberta had various careers throughout her life from teacher to real estate agent, to political nominee, to accountant, to tax consultant, and finally to writing.

Ever the advocate for lifelong learning, Roberta distinguished herself by earning three degrees, her last one in Library Sciences at the University of Calgary, in which she graduated alongside her daughter. When their kids finally left the nest, Roberta and Peter started their next adventure as farmers east of Edmonton, AB, at Antler Lake.

Roberta's other passion was dancing. This was always an integral part of family gatherings, which were also a priority. Roberta took years of dance classes and, along with Peter, became an admirable ballroom dancer.

When not busy with grandkids, Roberta and Peter travelled throughout the world as far afield as New Zealand to visit their daughter, Germany, France, and Spain to visit their son, and Ukraine to trace her roots. Ever looking for a new adventure, Roberta discovered Gleniffer Lake, AB, and without hesitation bought a place so that further family gatherings would occur (and they still do).

When it seemed nothing could stop Roberta, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, after quietly battling dementia, she decided it was time to go.

She is survived by her devoted husband Peter; her beloved children Megan (Ryan) and Justin (Berenice); and her prized grandchildren Jade, Macey, Reagan, Isaac, and Jacqueline for whom she was known as Nanababs. As a wife, a mother, a Nanababs, a sister, a sister-in-law, an aunt, a great-aunt, and a friend to many, we will dearly miss her joie de vivre.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Roberta’s family here.

In living memory of Roberta McDonald, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.