Alice MacDougall

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alice MacDougall (née Myler), our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend on August 21, 2026 at the Hamilton General Hospital.

Born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Alice was the daughter of Martin “Mark” Myler and Mary Myler (née Kennedy). The youngest of a large and close-knit family, Alice grew up surrounded by her many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. She fondly remembered the many hours she spent babysitting her nieces and nephews—a role that gave an early glimpse of the devoted mother and grandmother she would one day become.

She will be lovingly remembered by Joseph, her husband of 62 years, her children, Kathy (Sean) Licata and Paul (Andrea) MacDougall, and her six cherished grandchildren, Nancy (Josh), Pamela, Craig, Colin, Hailey and Tyler. She will also be dearly missed by her sisters-in-law Helen (Ross) Morrison, Hughena (the late John) Quinn, Theresa (Jim) Burton and Michelene (Joe) MacKinnon; her brothers-in-law Hugh “Skippy” (the late Marie) MacDougall, Gordie (Cathy) MacDougall and Lyle “Louie” Pitt; along with many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Alice was predeceased by her brothers Alex (Ada) (Gora), Cyril (Duna) and George Myler and her sisters Bridget (Aaron) Beddow, Ann (Tony) Reilly, Catherine (Harry) Cleary, Margaret (Bob) Osborne, Ellen Myler and Yvonne Pitt.

Her life took her from Nova Scotia to Quebec, British Columbia and eventually to Ontario, where she built a life filled with family, friendships and countless memories.

Family was always at the centre of Alice’s world. She was a devoted mother to Kathy and Paul and an immensely proud grandmother. She was involved in her children’s sports and school activities and was the mother who was always there—showing up, cheering from the sidelines, lending a hand and making sure her family knew they could count on her.

Alice loved being active and enjoyed golf, curling, cross-country skiing and walking. Golf held a particularly special place in her heart, as it was on the golf course that she and Joe first met. One of her happiest places was the family cottage in Bras d’Or, Nova Scotia, where she spent treasured time with family and helped create memories that will be cherished for generations.

Alice was the matriarch of our family in every sense of the word. Strong, practical and caring, she had a no-nonsense approach to life and could always be counted on to tell you what she thought—and to make sure things got done. She faced whatever life put in front of her with determination and expected those around her to do the same. And, of course, part of her role as matriarch included keeping Joe in line for more than 62 years.

That determination stayed with Alice throughout her life. A few years ago, after spending 18 months in a wheelchair, she decided she was going to walk again. To the amazement of her medical team, that is exactly what she did. In Alice’s mind, anything was achievable once she decided to do it—a perfect reflection of the strength and determination with which she lived her life.

But Alice’s strength was always balanced by a wonderful sense of fun. She was just as comfortable getting down on the floor to play Twister with her grandchildren as she was offering some firm advice when she thought it was needed. Her grandchildren knew both sides of their grandmother: the strong woman who expected them to give life their best, and Gammy, who loved to laugh and have fun with them.

Alice was there for the milestones and the everyday moments alike. Her strength and unwavering devotion to her family shaped all of us in ways we will carry forward.

Her presence is already deeply missed, but the love she gave, the lessons she taught and the memories she created will remain with our family for generations to come. And while we miss her terribly, she would tell us to shake ourselves and move on.

Service Information:

Celebration of Life: Sunday September 20, 2026, from 1:00PM – 4:00PM at Amica Dundas (50 Hatt Street, Dundas ON L9H 0A1).

Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, at a later date.