07/20/2025
It is with utmost sadness and broken hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Stephannie after a short illness, aged 46 years.
Stephannie Sylvia Irene MacDonald (nee Johnson) of Parry Sound.
Beloved wife of Tony MacDonald of Parry Sound for 18 years.
Devoted and loving mother of Noah and Sebastian. Cherished daughter of Glenda Johnson of Richmond Hill, and Anthony Gataveckas of Burlington.
Cherishied Sister to Shannon (Andrew) Piccinin.
Stephannie is predeceased by her grandparents Glenn and Sylvia Johnson, who she was very close to.
Stephannie will be dearly missed by her In-law family, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and extended family, friends and her community.
Especially missed by her long time Best Friend Keli Taylor of North Bay.
Stephannie was born in Parry Sound and then left the area to grow up in various locations throughout southern Ontario.
She was a graduate of the Journalism course at Canadore College.
In September 2003 she moved back to Parry Sound, to begin her storied Journalism career at the Parry Sound North Star, where she accumulated many journalism awards from the Ontario Community Newspaper Awards and the Canadian Community Newspaper Awards. During this period, she also developed very strong community ties with numerous people and organizations throughout the area that lasted long after her journalism career finished in November of 2021 after 18 years.
On July 7, 2007, Stephannie married Tony MacDonald, and the two of them started their small family not long after with the birth of their first son Noah, in September of 2008. This was followed by the birth of their second son Sebastian in February 2011. Stephannie’s devotion to her sons and to her husband was unequalled and she was adored by all three in return.
In May of 2022, Stephannie left journalism to pursue her passion and became the owner of a new small home-based baking business she named Georgian Bay Sweets. Though it was hard work and long hours, she fell in love with the feeling of being an important part of so many of her customer’s special occasions and celebrations. She truly found happiness in hearing the feedback from people and knowing that her goods brought joy to so many.
Stephannie was a strong believer in supporting local charities and fundraisers, both personally and through her small business Georgian Bay Sweets. As expressions of sympathy, please consider donations to the local Harvest Share Food Bank, or the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation in her honour.
Friends and Family can join us in remembering Stephannie at a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 9th from 2-6 pm at 65 Big Sound Road, Nobel.
Words alone cannot express the depth of our sorrow and sadness.
Out, out, brief candle…we will sorely miss your light.
