Obituary of Camilla McDonald

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Camilla (Avis) McDonald. She was predeceased by her loving and caring husband Enroy. Camilla was the cherished mom of Garry (Michelle) and Dexter (Jennifer) and the proud grandmother of Alexia, Devon, Marcus, Tyson, and Xavier.

Camilla was the generous and supportive big sister to Russell (Juliet), David, Patricia (David), Hester, Deborah (Victor), and Cheryl (Philip). She was the kindest sister-in-law to Mella (Noel), Carmen (Eric), Esme, Carol, Ivy, Alvin, and Arthur.
 

Aunt Cam will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was a special cousin who was held in high regard by the large Antoine clan.
 

Camilla was born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad in 1943. The firstborn to Empress Millington (deceased) and Randolph Avis (deceased), she was named in honour of her maternal grandmother. Growing up she was called Cam. Later on, she was referred to as Camille by her colleagues and friends at Etobicoke General Hospital, where she worked as a Food Service Supervisor.

Camilla is an Italian name that means ‘helper to the priest’, so it is not surprising that her faith played an important role in her life. This was exemplified by her decades-long membership in the Catholic Women’s League and her active participation in the St. Anthony of Padua community.  She was the first to remind us to say grace or offer to pray for anyone in need.

There is an old saying, “if you want something done, do it yourself.” However many charitable organizations found that if you want something done, just ask Camilla.  She was a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, and the Chinguacousy Soccer Club.

Never content with being on the sidelines, Garry and Dexter’s talent in soccer was possibly surpassed by their mom’s tireless years of service to the Chinguacousy Soccer Club, Brampton East Soccer Club, and The South Region Soccer Association.  Perhaps, no one has raised more money for soccer through bingo than Camilla.
 

Cam was born with a strong sense of duty and responsibility, especially for her family. She adored her younger siblings and was seen as a second mother.  Cam and Roy paved the way for the successful immigration of countless family members from Trinidad and Jamaica.
 

A master in the kitchen, Camilla was the gracious host of innumerable Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter celebrations, plus any other opportunities to get together for her large extended family. For many years, her home was the preferred venue for fun.

To know Camilla was to love her as witnessed by her loyal friendships with childhood friends and former colleagues.  Most importantly, her acts of kindness have touched many lives.
 

Camilla’s family will miss their biggest cheerleader at soccer and dance recitals.  But her legacy of service, love, and compassion will live on forever.