In Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 13, 2022 due to a sudden illness.

Beloved daughter of Michael and Loretta (nee MacDonald). Cherished sister of Kieran, Erin and Jenna.

Survived by her loving grandparents Francis and Evelyn MacDonald, Nova Scotia, uncles Jack (Beth), Mike (Tracey), aunts Marilyn (Ron), Kelly (Ian), Jeannie and Kathleen (Donnie), and her beloved cousins Kelly Jo, Jasmine, Trevor, Connor, Aevan, Cian, Malcolm, Sean, Blaine, Maggie, John Hugh, Emily, Keegan, Thomas, Corinne, Rachel, Brennin, Callum, Maddy, and Jesse. Also survived by extended family in Ottawa.

Predeceased by grandparents Larry and Aleksandra Gaynor.

Our sweet soul Maria was the most creative person we knew, a free spirit that was from a different era in some ways as we all said. From her love of "cool old things" as her siblings would say, to her love of our 2 dogs and cat, (it was her persistence that made me get our little Ivy), she had a passion for so many things.

Our one of a kind beautiful girl, was smart, funny, artistic, and imaginative; she loved her brief time in 1st year at Dalhousie University, surrounded by wonderful new close friends, and discovered a new passion for rock climbing and running in Point Pleasant park in Halifax.

She loved discovering cool new coffee shops and spending time there with her sisters and friends.

From skateboarding to 70's music, doing 1000 piece puzzles, knitting and being the best beach glass finder we knew, she loved new experiences and enjoying life. She also loved her plants, cupcakes, good vegetarian meals, and spending time with her dear friends back home in Kemptville. Most of all she loved her family.

She enjoyed carving her own path she was a leader not a follower.

She will be missed so deeply but never ever forgotten. Her incredible spirit will live on in all five of us forever. Maria will walk with us everyday, always near.

Friends are invited to visit at the Kemptville Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 805 Prescott Street on Wednesday, December 21 from 1-3 and 5-8 pm.

Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 503 Clothier Street West, Kemptville on Thursday, December 22 at 11:30 am. To view the service virtually, please click on the following link: https://youtu.be/vXI--hzpcxI. Reception at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville, following the service, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

For those wishing, the family requests donations in Marias honour to the IWK Foundation.

Please indicate your donation is in memory of Maria to ensure your donation is directed to the IWK BforKai Trust in support MenB (the strain of meningitis that Maria died from) research, awareness, and education and training programs. By increasing awareness of MenB and encouraging more youth and families to learn more about MenB vaccines, we hope that others wont have to experience an unimaginable and tragic loss as we have.

Click to watch Maria's Video Tribute

Service Details Visitation When Wednesday December 21, 2022 1:00pm - 3:00pm Location Kemptville Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Address 805 Prescott Street Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0 Second Visitation When Wednesday December 21, 2022 5:00pm - 8:00pm Location Kemptville Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Address 805 Prescott Street Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0 Service When Thursday December 22, 2022 11:30am Location Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kemptville Address 503 Clothier Street West Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0 Reception When Thursday December 22, 2022 1:00pm - 4:00pm Location North Grenville Municipal Centre Address 285 County Road 44 KEMPTVILLE, ON