It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lynda Joyce MacDonell of Guelph, Ontario, on Monday, March 11, 2024. Surrounded by her family, Lynda entered into the presence of her Saviour. She was 81 years old.
Deeply loved by her daughters Deborah (Benjamin) and Wendy (Piette), and her son-in-law Richard (Piette), Lynda was the proud and loving nana of Paige and Kaitlyn (Benjamin). She will be missed by her sister Sherryl Lawry, brothers Ted (Donna) Stouffer, Harold (Fern) Stouffer, and Chris Stouffer, in addition to her many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Bruce and Joyce Stouffer, and her brother Rob Stouffer.
Lynda will long be remembered for her very quick sense of humour, one-liners, and practical jokes. On more than one occasion, Lynda gave in to her mischievous side, wrapping friend’s homes with toilet paper. Later in life, it was that sense of humour that helped her push through many difficult medical challenges.
Lynda also had a gifting in music. She taught herself to play piano by ear and loved to sing—solos, duets, trios, quartets, choirs, worship teams—it didn’t matter, so long as she could sing!
She loved her family. Whether getting together with her siblings for a family event or spending time with her daughters (or especially her granddaughters), Lynda found great joy in quality time with family and friends.
The most important and impactful part of Lynda’s life, however, centered on her relationship with Jesus. From raising her girls as a single mom, to going through years of cancer treatments, and then living with an undiagnosed neurological disorder, it was Lynda’s unwavering faith that gave her the ability to find strength to persevere especially in the darkest of days. She was a woman filled with joy—something that was evident from the smile on her face. Even while in the hospital emergency room a few days before her passing, Lynda’s smile shone, so much so that one of the ER nurses stopped by to comment. In the midst of cancer treatments, Lynda wrote in her journal, “I may not have joy FROM my circumstances, but I can have joy IN my circumstances.” Those words were a testament as to how she approached each new day.
Lynda was also a prayer warrior, praying fervently for her daughters, their husbands, her grand-daughters, family members, her home church, and friends. She was an amazing example of a Christ-follower.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Mapleton neighbourhood team at The Village of Riverside Glen. The love and care they provided to Lynda over the last four years was precious and a comfort for her daughters when it was impossible to be with their mom.
A celebration honouring Lynda’s life will be held on Saturday, April 6th at 10:30am at Calvary Baptist Church, 454 Arkell Rd., Puslinch, ON. All are welcome to attend.
Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
As Lynda recognized the importance of helping those facing unexpected financial hardship, the family is suggesting those wishing to make a donation in Lynda’s memory, to consider a donation to either Calvary Baptist Church’s (Guelph, ON) benevolent fund (assisting those within the church and community who are facing financial difficulties) or the Wilfred Schlegel Hope Fund (a fund that assists team members from Schlegel Long-Term Care facilities who may be facing unforeseen financial hardship or other difficult times requiring support).
A tree will be planted in memory of Lynda J. MacDonell in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.