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Heather (MacDonnell) posted a condolence
Saturday, April 11, 2015
On behalf of my mother Jean and sister Terri, we would like to sincerely express our gratitude for the heartfelt emails, messages and donations left via the funeral home, as well as the physical presence of so many friends, former students and colleagues and family members at the visitation and funeral 3 weeks ago. That time has been a bit of a blur. So many wonderful stories and anecdotes are surfacing on this occasion and it is hard to remember them all. We encourage you to please jot a few of these down in the "stories" section of this website or in email form to any of us. I am so thankful for a lifetime of memories with my father, unconditional and unending love for his wife, children and grandchildren, and inspiration to strive for excellence in all that we do. Words that resounded for me in Father Yake's homily at the Funeral Mass included "Christian Gentleman", a "man of character and poise" and the fact that his extensive education was not wasted on him (I think that references the many Latin quotes and broad vocabulary he employed). During this Lent and Easter season as we reflected on Christ's suffering, we know Poppa felt a taste of that on Earth. We now pray he shares in the Eternal hope of the Resurrection as he has been relieved of his suffering. Daddy, you are dearly loved and admired, and will never be forgotten. Your booming laugh and jovial spirit live on in our hearts and minds forever. "And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand" Love your daughter Heather, son-in-law James and Grandchildren Alexander, Patrick and Mary xoxo
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Lillian(Reiser) Wiggers posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Jean and family. I taught at Sacred Heart in Newmarket when Larry was the vice principal. He was respected by all--students, teachers, secretaries and caretakers. Rest in peace Larry.
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Stacey Reynolds posted a condolence
Friday, March 20, 2015
It was always a pleasure to see Larry over the many many years. Such a kind and sweet man. Will be missed. Let me know if I can help in anyway Jean.
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Stacey Reynolds posted a condolence
Friday, March 20, 2015
It was always a pleasure to see Larry over the many many years. Such a kind and sweet man. Will be missed. Let me know if I can help in anyway Jean.
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Dr. Shawn McDermott posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Mr. MacDonnell was a man worthy of respect. I only knew him during my time at Sacred Heart. He reminded me of my Dad who was also a principal. It's funny because the two of them shared a common trait between them: only those that were jerks didn't like them. Larry was always fair, and he kept order at a school that often had trouble bubbling below the surface or in the background. He exceeded and succeeded in a sometimes thankless job, and I want all to know that his efforts were appreciated. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
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Adrienne Hansen-Taugher posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Mr. MacDonnell was a genuinely lovely man. As a teacher, he gave me the gift of being able to 'read' literature. I was a die-hard science student who dreaded English....until I had the good fortune of being in Mr. M's class. Thank you Sir, rest in peace.
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Dave Brennan posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Larry was an extraordinary person. His influence on the lives of so many others was huge. He often would say, "If you love them, you can teach them". That love was evident in every action that he took and in every relationship that he had. It was particularly amazing to witness the bonds develop between Larry and his students as they progressed from Grade 9 through to their senior high school years. To me, Larry was a valued colleague and a true friend. I will always cherish the many times that we spent together and the fond memories that they have given me. I will miss you Larry. But I, like so many others, am all the richer for having known you
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Jeff Motrich posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
My thoughts and prayers to MacDonnell family. Mr. MacDonnell was a big man with a big heart. He may have been strict but as teenagers in high school we needed that. And we didn't know that he was preparing us later in life to be better adults.
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Colleen (Bell) Desjardins posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Although it has been nearly thirty years since I saw Mr. MacDonnell walk the halls at Sacred Heart CHS, I remember vividly, on so many occasions, being sent to the back table in the cafeteria to have lunch with him. This happened when a student would break a school rule (usually wearing improper attire) or any other minor offence. Although not a terrible experience, he did have his way of letting you know he was disappointed in you yet at the same time still found a way to let you know he enjoyed your company. Mr. MacDonnell had a unique way of demanding respect yet didn’t instill fear in his students, what a great quality. He was a well-respected principal, adored by students and staff alike. Thank you for your years of guidance and the many more of great memories. You truly, will be missed.
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Mark Coleman posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Larry was a true gentleman and a scholar. I am very grateful to have had him as an English teacher and Vice Principal during my high school years in the early eighties. Those early years at Sacred Heart were a very special time and Larry was a big part of the special sauce that contributed to the high standards, values and family like environment. He also had a great sense of humor – I’ll never forget the time he invited Dave Froese to sing the national anthem over the PA after the O’Canada cassette mysteriously went missing. I agree with Norm's comment below that every high school would be blessed to have a Mr. MacDonnell. Rest in peace, Larry.
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Eileen Leitch Wolanski posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Such sad news- my most sincere condolences to his family and friends. Mr. MacDonnell had a special way of dealing with people that stood out. I remember once being called into his office for doing something I really should have been given a proper scolding for and, admittedly, I was so nervous. Although he made it clear that what I had done was not ok- he really did iit in such a way that I didn't feel belittled. It was very obvious to me that he was not going to hold my behaviour against me and judge me for it. I felt like he saw past my bad behaviour to the real me. I know that this is how he dealt with all of his students. He was well loved. That memory has stuck with me through my own years of teaching and I think it has helped me to be a better teacher. For that I am eternally grateful. Rest in Peace Mr. MacDonnell. You will be missed. .
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Lisa carcone posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Probably one of the most inspirational man that I have had the pleasure of knowing. I came to sacred heart and had the pleasure of lunching with mr macdonnell almost everyday ..this was not a good though because if you had the pleasure of dining with him that meant you were out of uniform....he used to drink buttermilk and we as kids used to gag!!! He truly knew how to turn a troublesome kid into a valedictorian...rest in peace SIr
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Suzanne Van Bakel lit a candle
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
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Dear Mr. MacDonnell. You probably don't remember me. But I was a student at Sacred Heart Catholic High School from 1984 to 1988. I remember in my first year I was a terrified ninth grader that had trouble finding her classes and school bus. However, you took me under your wing and made me feel very secure. Over the years, I had grown to admire your sweet, caring disposition. Rest in peace, Sir. You will be missed.
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Lynn Stewart - Waltenbury posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
my thoughts and prayers are with your family today. You were one of my favourite teachers at Sacred Heart in Newmarket I graduated in 1983 and I have never forgotten you !!! You truly were a very special man xoxo God Bless
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Theresa Ward-Grant posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
This is truly sad news. Mr. MacDonnell was a wonderful educator and a caring man. Sacred Heart CHS was a better place because of him. Please accept my deepest sympathies. He will be missed.
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Colleen McBride-O'Brien posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Dear Heather, James & Family, My sincere condolences. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love Colleen
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Ida Mae West posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
I will always have a special place in my heart for Mr. MacDonnell. He took a group of us to England in grade 12, trusted us with his daughter (Terri, were you only 13?) and was kind and fair as a Vice-Principal. I still treasure a beautifully written letter of recommendation he wrote for me then. He was a great man who leaves many of us with fond memories. My condolences.
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Patrick Roney posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss, Mr. MacDonnell will be sadly missed.
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James Caley posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
It was indeed a privilege to work with "Big Mac" many years ago at Sacred Heart High School. The word "Big" was well earned as he was a man of big values, a big man concerned for the future of the youth he counselled, and a big heart available to all who came in contact with him. May the Lord grant you eternal rest as you were His faithful servant.
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Norm Ratcliffe posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
It was such a sad bit of news to see the passing of this great man so soon after speaking fondly about him just a couple of days ago. Despite last interacting with Mr. MacDonnell (I still can't call him "Larry") over 30 years ago when I graduated from SHHS, his presence has followed me from time to time during my working life. Particularly when it came to matters of expecting better of myself. As a teenage student of his, I often viewed "Big Mac" as an authoritarian and impossible to please, but only as time went on into my adult life did I see what value he was bringing to me with his calm "toughness". Looking back now, I wished that there was a Larry MacDonnell in EVERY school today. Someone to hold the student to a high standard and dismiss mediocrity. He may be gone from this life, but his family can rest assured that he lives-on in the memories of those whose lives he impacted for positive outcomes. Rest well, good man.
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Father Larry Rogers posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
It was with great sympathy that I heard of the recent passing of Larry,. I workrd with him as a collegue and friend at Sacred Heart Catholic High School for many years. The notice here says it all , a true Chrisyian gentleman of so many great qualitiies. He was truly loved by the many students he taught and was Vice Prinipal for. I am out of town at this time and can,t attend the funeral Mass of Ressurection. I will offer Mass for him on Friday. May Jesus and Our Blessed Mother give you peace at this time. God Bless Fr. Larry Rogers
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kenny hannan posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Thoughts and prayers, warm memories, pax et lux
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Marisa Delise, Carusone posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
I send my deepest condolence to the family. If I'm not wrong you were the teacher of my 2 girls in Sacred Heart, MARINA AND DANIELA. RIP
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Bernadette Kenny posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
It was a joy working with Larry at Sacred Heart. Ice loved to treT us to chocolate cream marshmallows. We certainly had some laughs together. May you rest in peace Larry.
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Lori Caswell posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Rest in peace Mr. MacDonnell. You always had a kind smile and face and a good ear. Thank you for all that you did for Sacred Heart students.
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Josie Deehan posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
I know that during my live I have been blessed in many ways. One of those ways was knowing and working with Larry. During my short time at Sacred Heart and working closely with him I got to know the gentle caring man, who was dedicated to his profession and to all of the students who passed his way. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace dear friend, say Hi to Chris.
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David Luciani posted a condolence
Monday, March 16, 2015
Mr. MacDonnell inspired me to set a higher standard for myself and I am so sad to hear this news. I was so grateful for this that years later, I phoned him to thank him for being such a great mentor at Sacred Heart and I know there will be countless students who felt the same way. My deepest condolences and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.
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Karen Mitchell posted a condolence
Monday, March 16, 2015
Our Carter family had a blessed start with Larry. He truly was Peace and Love, a gentle giant. My heart extends to his family with prayers of thanks, prayers of healing grace.
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Noeleen posted a condolence
Monday, March 16, 2015
I have so many fond memories of my dear friend. He supported me time and time again with students and parents....trusted colleague. He shared a special connection with Bob and made sure to connect with me through cards and emails during the last years. I will miss those special cards my friend. Slainte till we meet again..... My condolences Jean and wonderful daughters.
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Michelle Sanders posted a condolence
Monday, March 16, 2015
words cannot express the admiration and respect I have held for Mr MacDonnell for many years , so much more then a teacher, a principal but a true believer and leader . thank you for making me believe in myself many years ago . My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family during this difficult time. Rest in Paradise sir
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Terri posted a condolence
Monday, March 16, 2015
Dad, You were the best father anyone could ask for. You protected me ferociously, and cared for me infinitely. I will always feel your immense pride in me. And don't worry, I'll look after Mum. Love you always, Your Darlin' And I'll always remember your sage words... Semper ubi sub ubi.
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Anne Marie Devine posted a condolence
Monday, March 16, 2015
Master and model-- that's how I will remember Larry. And his wry sense of humour. A gentle giant. Blessed to have worked with him. Pax et lux.
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Jürgen Schneider posted a condolence
Monday, March 16, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire MacDonnell family at this difficult time. Larry, I will miss you my friend, mentor & colleague. I have fond memories of our time together and learned a great deal from your witness to the vocation of Catholic educator. You are the first of the Cardinal Carter pioneers to pass away. I'll see you down the road…Godspeed…Pax et Lux.
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Oighrig Keogh posted a condolence
Monday, March 16, 2015
What a privilege it was to have Larry as a colleague for 18 years, both at Sacred Heart and Cardinal Carter. His command of the English language certainly made us rush to our dictionaries! May your soul rest in peace Larry, Your Gaelic friend, Oighrig
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Greg Allen posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Greg Allen made a donation to SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE FOUNDATION
Larry was a major influence in my career and in my life as a whole. I have utmost respect for his kindness, his decency, his intelligence and his wit. He was a rare and valued man who will be missed each day.
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Avrum Liederman posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Avrum Liederman made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
Dera Jean, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My most heartfelt condolances to you and the family. May you have much comfort in the wonderful memories. Avrum
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Susan, Kim and Charles posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Susan, Kim and Charles made a donation to SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE FOUNDATION
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.
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JoAnne and Marty posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
JoAnne and Marty made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
Jean and family, Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Dr. C. Duffy & The Department of Pediatrics posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Dr. C. Duffy & The Department of Pediatrics made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
During this difficult time I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies.
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Helen Lacroix, Cardinal Carter CHS posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Helen Lacroix, Cardinal Carter CHS made a donation to SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE FOUNDATION
Dear Jean and family, We are very sad to hear of dear Larry's passing, as is the entire Carter community. He was a great educator and a great man. We shall miss him and will honour his memory always. Helen and Ken Lacroix
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Cory Hartsburg posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Cory Hartsburg made a donation to SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE FOUNDATION
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Ian posted a condolence
Friday, March 13, 2015
Ian made a donation to HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO
Terri, Heather, Jean. It's with a heavy heart that I share these words of condolence with you in the loss of your father and husband. I had a great respect for Larry, and will continue to carry this respect and fondness in my heart. Terri, I know how much your relationship with your Dad meant to you and to your family. Those memories will continue to strengthen and grow in love. If there's anything I can do, you know you can call on me. With love, Ian
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