Therese Maria May McDonald

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Therese Maria May McDonald, who returned to the Lord on January 18, 2026, in Surrey, British Columbia. At the age of 105, Therese’s remarkable journey was defined by her global experiences and an unwavering, lifelong devotion to her Catholic faith.

Born in Shanghai on December 5, 1920, Therese’s life was a tapestry of history and resilience. She moved to Hong Kong before WWII, where she worked for the Hong Kong Telephone Company until her retirement. It was also in Hong Kong where she met her husband, Charles (Mac) McDonald. They were wed in Hong Kong on April 20, 1965. Following Charles’s passing on May 20, 1969, her adventurous spirit led her to reside in London, England and Sydney, Australia before eventually settling in Vancouver Canada.

Therese enjoyed travelling and playing mahjong with friends. Throughout her 105 years, Therese remained a woman of deep prayer, carrying her rosary and her faith across every border. She was a beloved great-aunt and embodying the virtues of charity, humility, and steadfast hope.

She was predeceased by her husband, Mac, and her siblings. She is survived by her devoted great-nephew David Wu, her great-niece Emily Wu Shaw, and her great-nephew Edwin Wu.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Friday, February 6, 2026 at St. Bernadette’s Parish, 6543 132 Street, Surrey BC V3W 4L4. Fr. Stanley Galvon, celebrant. Prayers and a Rosary will be offered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local Catholic charity, in keeping with Therese’s lifelong commitment to her faith or to the Bethshan Gardens Retirement Residence, 17528 59th Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S3T7, Canada.