John William MacDonald
elevated jneO3 June 12, 1933 – December 5, 2025
elevated jneO3 Visitation
Saturday January 3, 2026 from 12pm to 1:15pm
elevated jneO3 Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated jneO3 Funeral Mass – Chapel of St. Joseph (within the Funeral Home)
Saturday January 3, 2026 at 1:30pm
elevated jneO3 Click here to watch the Mass
elevated jneO3 Obituary
John William MacDonald, a cultured and kind soul whose life was shaped by curiosity, accomplishment and love, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025 at The Meadows of Aurora. He was 92 years old and a longtime resident of North York, Ontario.
elevated jneO3 John is predeceased by his beloved wife Marilyn. He is lovingly remembered by his children, John A. MacDonald (Vanessa) and Deborah Kimmerly (Gregory) and by his cherished grandchildren: Amanda and John K. MacDonald and Danielle and Sean Kimmerly.
elevated jneO3 Born on June 12, 1933 in Ottawa, he was the adored son of Margaret MacDonald, whose determination and devotion inspired his lifelong commitment to learning. After earning his Master’s degree in English Literature at Carleton University, John moved to Toronto and began teaching at the University of Toronto Schools. A growing fascination with the study of language later steered him toward psycholinguistics and ultimately to completing his Doctorate at Harvard.
elevated jneO3 John enjoyed a distinguished academic career at the University of Toronto as Professor of English and later Dean of the Faculty of Education. His work also took him abroad with guest professorships at Beijing Normal University and Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan. Named Professor Emeritus, he continued teaching well into his eighties at OISE-UT, guided by a deep respect for language, collaborative learning and a genuine care for his students.
elevated jneO3 A volunteer shift at the Newman Club led to a memorable first date with Marilyn McGroarty, beginning a partnership of more than sixty years. Together they raised a close knit family in North York, Ontario. With Marilyn he travelled widely, creating lasting memories. In later years, John and Marilyn enjoyed many sun filled vacations in Cancun, where they made fast friends wherever they went.
elevated jneO3 John had a quiet appreciation for literature, art, music and nature. He loved gardening, classical piano and well made martini. At home John was a devoted and playful father and a loving grandfather. Whether reading aloud or writing children’s stories, competing on the tennis court or turning raccoon proofing a backyard koi pond into a family adventure, he brought humour, thoughtfulness and a spirit of discovery to family life.
elevated jneO3 The family extends heartfelt thanks for the compassionate care, filled with joy and music, that John received at The Meadows of Aurora, Oakdale Manor and previously at Amica Bayview Gardens.
elevated jneO3 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at University of Toronto or to a charity of your choice.
elevated jneO3 John will be remembered as a thoughtful, kind and quietly brilliant man whose influence endures in the family he cherished and the many students he inspired. May he rest at peace, reunited with Marilyn in the warm light they always sought together.
elevated jneO3
elevated jneO3
Such a beautiful obituary about a very humble and kind soul. May he rest in peace. Helena. XX
Thanks so much Helena. We appreciate your thoughtful message and your kindness.
What a beautiful, accomplished and well lived life!
John and your whole clan is in our prayers.
God bless.
Thank you Kevin. Your prayers and kind words mean a great deal to our family.
Beautiful obituary. His achievements are remarkable. We will miss him tremendously.
Love, The Mintz’s
Thanks so much to the whole Mintz family. Your kind words about our dad and”Grampy” bring real comfort.
John MacDonald. My Illustious Professor Brother – Inlaw. After marrying Sister Marilyn McGroarty. Becoming a Powerful Gifted Educator. At UofT Toronto. Beijing University China etc. Our Hearts are Shattered Hearing of John’s Passing. All Our Love ❤️ Debra -John and All of Your Family ❤️ Love Uncle Greg McGroarty & Family Members 💔🔔🙏🍀🔔❤️
Thank you Uncle Greg and family. Your heartfelt message means so much to us. We are grateful for your memories, your love and your support.
What an accomplished and incredible man your Grandfather was, Sean. This beautiful tribute shows how much he means to your entire family. Our very deepest condolences to each of you.
Jennifer, John and Jonah Deschamps
Took my Type A with John in 1976.
He treated us as colleagues and friends on the same journey-one of my best summers in education. R.I.P.
Condolences to family.
Thanks so much Joe. It is very touching to hear how much that experience with my dad meant to you. We appreciate your condolences.
What a lovely tribute to your dad and granddad. Our sincere condolences on his passing. He lived such an interesting and accomplished life. Im sure he is happy to be reunited with Marilyn but you will miss him greatly.
Thank you Wendy, Steve family. Your kind words about my dad mean a lot. It brings comfort to picture him reunited with Marilyn and we appreciate your condolences.
Greetings, John.
It was with regret and sorrow that I just read of your great loss in the death of your Dad R.I.P. My prayers and regrets are with you and all the MacDonald Family. Will also be remembered at Masses. Br. Henry Spencer
Thank you Br Henry. We are very touched by your prayers and your remembrance of my dad at Mass. Your kindness means a lot to all of us.
Heartfelt condolences to you , John and your family! It certainly sounds like your Dad lived a full life of service to all. May you derive much comfort in the knowledge that he passed on to his family an abundance of values and an appreciation of educational pursuits.
Cherish the memories! May he RIP. God Bless!
Thanks so much Gerard. We appreciate your kind words and your reflections on my dad’s life. His values and love of learning are lasting gifts.
My condolences to you and your family John. May his memory be blessed.
Thanks so much, Martin. We really appreciate your kind words and support.