07/20/2026
Dianne Lea MacDonald (née Forrest)
April 30, 1947 – June 25, 2026
A life devoted to caring for others.
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dianne Lea MacDonald
(née Forrest) on June 25, 2026, at the age of 79.
Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Dianne moved with her family to Prince
George, British Columbia, and spent her childhood growing up in the
Island Cache, where she attended Connaught Elementary. Later, her family
moved to Blackburn. From an early age, she developed the quiet
compassion and strong work ethic that would define her life.
She completed her Licensed Practical Nurse training in 1971, graduating
in February 1972, and soon began her nursing career at Prince George
Regional Hospital. During her training, she was honoured with the
Fairlie Peacock Memorial Award for Best Bedside Nursing, a fitting
recognition of the compassion and excellence that would define her
lifelong calling. She worked in a variety of departments, including
Pediatrics and Emergency, before making the decision in 1980 to leave
nursing to devote herself to raising her children, Michelle and Michael.
For Dianne, caring for her family was every bit as important as caring
for her patients.
Together, Dianne and her beloved husband of more than 50 years, Byron,
built a beautiful home on five acres in Pineview. Married on September
21, 1972, they shared over five decades together before Byron’s
passing in 2023. Their property was home to horses, sheep, chickens,
geese, and Highland cattle over the years, and their door was always
open. Family and friends gathered there for memorable sheep roasts, crab
boils, and Christmas dinners, where no one ever left hungry.
When her children were older, Dianne returned to what she loved most,
caring for those who couldn’t care for themselves, by joining Home
Support in 1993. There, she compassionately served countless individuals
throughout the Prince George area until her retirement. Whether caring
for patients in hospital, raising her family, or helping people remain
comfortably in their own homes, Dianne approached everyone with dignity,
patience, and genuine kindness.
Dianne found great joy in spending summers at the family cabin on
Cluculz Lake, where days were filled with laughter, card games, and time
with those she loved. She enjoyed travelling to the Okanagan to visit
family and friends, always returning with fresh fruit to can and
preserve for the months ahead. At Christmastime, she became famous among
family and friends for her cherished Christmas cakes, carefully baked
each year and thoughtfully gifted to a fortunate few. Receiving one was
a tradition and a privilege.
Being a grandmother was one of Dianne’s greatest joys. She lovingly
cared for Gabriel, Garrett, Gemma, and Lauchlin, and for many years
opened her home every afternoon to care for Gabriel, Garrett, and Gemma
after school. She created a place where her grandchildren always knew
they were welcome, safe, and deeply loved.
Dianne also believed in giving back to her community. She volunteered
for many years with Highland dance and the Elder Citizens Recreation
Association, quietly serving others in the same humble way she had
throughout her life.
Above all else, Dianne will be remembered for her unconditional
kindness, unwavering devotion to her family, and her instinct to place
the needs of others before her own. Whether she was caring for a
patient, helping a neighbour, welcoming friends into her home, or
spending time with her family, she gave of herself freely. She faced a
long and difficult battle with COPD with remarkable strength, grace, and
quiet determination, never allowing her illness to diminish the warmth
and kindness she showed to everyone around her. Even throughout her
illness, those caring for her often remarked on her patience,
politeness, and gentle spirit.
Dianne is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Michelle (Trevor); her
son, Michael (Amber-Dawn); her cherished grandchildren, Gabriel,
Garrett, Gemma, and Lauchlin; her sister, Cheryl (Byron); her brothers,
George (Joanne), Kim (Stacey), and Dave; and her many nieces, nephews,
extended family members, and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Byron MacDonald; her
parents, Armand and Dorene Forrest; and her brothers, Ronald and Kendall
Forrest.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wooldridge and the
physicians, nurses, and staff of the Primary Care Medical Unit at the
University Hospital of Northern British Columbia for the exceptional
care, compassion, and dignity they showed Dianne throughout her illness.
Throughout her stay, many members of the staff remarked on her kindness
and grace despite the immense challenges she faced.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 25, 2026, with the
location to be announced.
To have been cared for by Dianne was to know her kindness. To have been
loved by her was life’s greatest blessing. Her example will live on in
the family she cherished, the friends she welcomed, and the countless
lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
