Dear friends,
We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Louise McDonald. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
Maria, Sara and Deirdre
OBITUARY
Our dearly loved friend and colleague, Louise, passed away last month following a brief illness, definitely way too soon. Louise will be sorely missed by her beloved family and the numerous friends and loved ones who were fortunate to know her during the busy and exciting life she led.We met Louise when she joined IFAD and she immediately introduced us to her friends at the 'Ferretella' Club which was only the start of a long social... see moreOur dearly loved friend and colleague, Louise, passed away last month following a brief illness, definitely way too soon. Louise will be sorely missed by her beloved family and the numerous friends and loved ones who were fortunate to know her during the busy and exciting life she led.
We met Louise when she joined IFAD and she immediately introduced us to her friends at the 'Ferretella' Club which was only the start of a long social and professional journey that would bring many of us together over the years. She was passionate and highly committed to her work and was the real definition of a true friend.
She touched so many lives on all continents and left an indelible mark in our hearts. We have great, long lasting memories of her and for that she will live forever.
Dear friends of Louise. I have just seen this page with much shock and sadness. Having not heard from Louise for some time and thinking she had decided to not retire I went searching for her, only to pick up this page. Louise and I became instant friends... moreDear friends of Louise. I have just seen this page with much shock and sadness. Having not heard from Louise for some time and thinking she had decided to not retire I went searching for her, only to pick up this page. Louise and I became instant friends when we both lived and worked in Darwin, NT for the YWCA back in the 1980's. We spent many hours together - I loved her honesty, her amazing mind, her warmth and sense of humor, but above all her loyal friendship. We, too, had a connection with brandy - both with soda. I know she loved her time with IFAD, but she was looking forward to coming home which was when we last chatted. I see many wonderful times spent with you all where Louise looks so happy. We were going to catch up and fill in many years. So long my dear friend xx less
Dear Louise
The news of your passing broke our heart and you will be dearly missed; It was a pleasure to have you in Delhi, always ready to listen and provide advise to any professional or personal issues or to joke and laugh and join celebrations such... moreDear Louise
The news of your passing broke our heart and you will be dearly missed; It was a pleasure to have you in Delhi, always ready to listen and provide advise to any professional or personal issues or to joke and laugh and join celebrations such as the Christmas party in the attached picture ; we also all remember how you facilitated our retreat and pushed us to work as one team and learn the New Zealand dance; I hope you can rest in peace.. less
I bet Louise at an IFAD beach party in the summer of 1994. We instantly bonded. It was so easy to do so with Louise. She was so open, honest and funny. We started going out for lunch/dinner, were even roommates for a time. Whenever friends or family... moreI bet Louise at an IFAD beach party in the summer of 1994. We instantly bonded. It was so easy to do so with Louise. She was so open, honest and funny. We started going out for lunch/dinner, were even roommates for a time. Whenever friends or family came to Rome I always wanted them to meet Louise. All our evenings together always ended with lots of wine, great storytelling and warmth. She has been taken from us far too soon and will be missed by the many people she touched. Rest in peace dear Louise. less
It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of our friend and colleague Louise. She will be remembered for her dedication and passion for her work and the responsibilities she took on in IFAD. I recall her regular travels to South Africa,... moreIt was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of our friend and colleague Louise. She will be remembered for her dedication and passion for her work and the responsibilities she took on in IFAD. I recall her regular travels to South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania. There she benefitted from the support of her colleagues who joined her on many team based field assignments addressing the needs of smallholder farming communities. Some of the assignments were indeed demanding and complex and Louise discharged her responsibilities well and was a reliable staff member. Whilst Louise was looking forward to her retirement, she did have a strong attachment to Rome, her international colleagues and the Mediterranean lifestyle. She was always present whenever the Australian colleagues got together to share special Ozzie treats which she also prepared. My sincere condolences to all her family and friends. May Louise Rest in Eternal Peace. Perin Saint Ange, retired Associate Vice President and Head of the Programme Management Department IFAD. less
I had the privilege to work with Louise when she was seconded to evaluation in IFAD. We were close colleagues for about a year and went on mission to the Gambia together back in 2015. I am sorry I could not find a nice picture to share from that mission... moreI had the privilege to work with Louise when she was seconded to evaluation in IFAD. We were close colleagues for about a year and went on mission to the Gambia together back in 2015. I am sorry I could not find a nice picture to share from that mission having moved and changed computers and phones since then. But I remember vividly how she kept her strong sense of humour despite the harsh conditions of the field trip and also her commitment to tell the true story about what we saw. She would defend the right of project beneficiaries to receive the expected benefits as well as project directors being unfairly detained by the auhorities. It is hard to believe she is no longer with us as she was life itself. All the time enthusiastic about new ideas and avenues for work and very annoyed by incompetence. It was always so refreshing to have her around. And she was so warm to others . It was always a pleasure to have a drink with her. May she be remembered as an example to follow for all her qualities. Cecile Berthaud less
Louise truly was one of a kind, dearest friend for almost half my life and the sister I never had. I still can't believe we will never again talk and laugh over a coffee or glass of something but there is some small comfort in the fact she was where she... moreLouise truly was one of a kind, dearest friend for almost half my life and the sister I never had. I still can't believe we will never again talk and laugh over a coffee or glass of something but there is some small comfort in the fact she was where she wanted to be and that she left on her own terms. less
I was thinking about our morning coffee group the other day. Every morning at 7.30am us "early birds" would sit in the caffeteria outside area for coffee. Its how I met Louise. She would practically open IFAD every morning, getting in around 6am to start... moreI was thinking about our morning coffee group the other day. Every morning at 7.30am us "early birds" would sit in the caffeteria outside area for coffee. Its how I met Louise. She would practically open IFAD every morning, getting in around 6am to start her day. We had so many laughs during our morning coffee. We had decided once that we should become the IFAD morning radio broadcasters, so we'd sit there and comment on what we'd broadcast for the day 😄 boy did we have some interesting ideas haha. Louise and I would chat about our dogs, at the time she had Mac and I had Leo. We shared a common love for animals, especially dogs. This is a photo she had sent me from Bhutan. Ive been reading her emails lately to feel close to her. When she sent me this email she wrote - I miss U. Well Louise, I'm really missing you too 💔 less
I was thinking about our morning coffee group the other day. Every morning at 7.30am us "early birds" would sit in the caffeteria outside area for coffee. Its how I met Louise. She would practically open IFAD every morning, getting in around... moreI was thinking about our morning coffee group the other day. Every morning at 7.30am us "early birds" would sit in the caffeteria outside area for coffee. Its how I met Louise. She would practically open IFAD every morning, getting in around 6am to start her day. We had so many laughs during our morning coffee. We had decided once that we should become the IFAD morning radio broadcasters, so we'd sit there and comment on what we'd broadcast for the day
Kathy ZissimopoulosI was with Louise during this wonderful evening in Swaziland (Eswatini). This was a video taken during Louise's last mission as Country Programme Manager for Swaziland. The project team put together a touching farewell to thank her for her amazing work.... moreI was with Louise during this wonderful evening in Swaziland (Eswatini). This was a video taken during Louise's last mission as Country Programme Manager for Swaziland. The project team put together a touching farewell to thank her for her amazing work. You could really see how much they valued and appreciated her over the years.
I so clearly remember your face when I first met you in your office and after admiring some pictures I asked "Are you from Australia?"... it was as I had said Alaska... Very proudly you clarified that it was New Zealand... always passionate about... moreI so clearly remember your face when I first met you in your office and after admiring some pictures I asked "Are you from Australia?"... it was as I had said Alaska... Very proudly you clarified that it was New Zealand... always passionate about everything you cared for! less
I met Louise through a mutual friend and colleague before she joined IFAD. I was drawn to her cynical humour and grounded common sense and we became fast friends as we spent time together in Rome over meals, at social gatherings and events. A moment that... moreI met Louise through a mutual friend and colleague before she joined IFAD. I was drawn to her cynical humour and grounded common sense and we became fast friends as we spent time together in Rome over meals, at social gatherings and events. A moment that stands out in my memory was at a New Year’s Eve party when Louise performed a Haka. It was a celebratory evening, but Louise took a moment to retreat to some sacred space and, fierce in her glittering holiday jacket, she went through the moves with a passionate inner strength. It was magnificent. She was a spirited, strong woman who will be missed by many. Okioki i te rangimarie, Louise. less
Dear Louise, it is so sad and shocking to hear that you have passed away. I have many great memories of being with you, working and having fun. Our time in the Gambia is one to never forget and I am happy that we could also spend time together in Delhi.... moreDear Louise, it is so sad and shocking to hear that you have passed away. I have many great memories of being with you, working and having fun. Our time in the Gambia is one to never forget and I am happy that we could also spend time together in Delhi. I was so sure we would meet again - and so disappointed that we will not. Rest in peace, Louise. less
I was new to IFAD and to the Delhi Country Office. Louise was putting together a programme for the South Asia Hub retreat. She walked into my office, sat down and told me that she has put my name down as a facilitator for a session during the retreat. I... moreI was new to IFAD and to the Delhi Country Office. Louise was putting together a programme for the South Asia Hub retreat. She walked into my office, sat down and told me that she has put my name down as a facilitator for a session during the retreat. I asked her what the session is about. She said, "Anything that would make people know you better. Being new to the organization, perhaps people are wondering who you are and what your are good at. So design a session that will answer these questions" This gesture left an indelible mark in my heart. Thank you, Louise! less
Dear Louise, I was so very sorry to hear this news. I enjoyed your humour and valued your technical expertise which was based on your substantial and varied field experience. You were truly committed to improving the lives of poor rural women and men.... moreDear Louise, I was so very sorry to hear this news. I enjoyed your humour and valued your technical expertise which was based on your substantial and varied field experience. You were truly committed to improving the lives of poor rural women and men. Rest in peace, Clare less
So sad... Louise I can't believe it. So many memories, laughs, chats, dinners/drinks, sounding off, support ... you know how much you helped me! I am forever grateful. I just thought there would be more time.. to video "spritz ", and to... moreSo sad... Louise I can't believe it. So many memories, laughs, chats, dinners/drinks, sounding off, support ... you know how much you helped me! I am forever grateful. I just thought there would be more time.. to video "spritz ", and to visit you. I only good thing is that you were where you wanted to be. RIP my friend. xx less
Years ago, dinner at my place with some colleagues, you were there, and we got into a big argument when you complained that, during your early years in Italy, you were not happy with Italian food 'cause you could not find peanut butter, anywhere in Rome!... moreYears ago, dinner at my place with some colleagues, you were there, and we got into a big argument when you complained that, during your early years in Italy, you were not happy with Italian food 'cause you could not find peanut butter, anywhere in Rome! 😂 I will miss your irony, sense of humor, your smiles, and our conversations at the cafeteria... Ciao Louise! 💔 less
Dear Louise, you will be greatly missed. We still remember our mission to Mozambique in 2017, how much you taught us and how much you made us laugh! May you rest in peace <3. Elena and Monica
Dear Louise, I'm at loss for words. One of the first persons I met when I joined IFAD almost 20 years ago. I must confess at the beginning I was kind of intimidated! Your loud voice, your strange accent! Just to then find out you were the nicest, fun... moreDear Louise, I'm at loss for words. One of the first persons I met when I joined IFAD almost 20 years ago. I must confess at the beginning I was kind of intimidated! Your loud voice, your strange accent! Just to then find out you were the nicest, fun person. Your contagious laugh! And so so committed. An example for all of us. And I'm also angry, because life sometimes seems unfair. I'm just relieved by thinking that you were back home, with your loved ones. You will be missed. Buon viaggio dear.. Ale less
So sorry to hear this terrible news. We count ourselves fortunate to have shared some great times together, both at work around the world and socially. Your strong voice will continue to sound out Louise. Bob and Helen
Mehry IsmailiAn amazing person. I will miss you and your sense of humour. The news in April that you were hospitalized left me with no words. you were planning a visit for me in New Zealand and visit the vineyards together. i will miss you and will miss your lessons... moreAn amazing person. I will miss you and your sense of humour. The news in April that you were hospitalized left me with no words. you were planning a visit for me in New Zealand and visit the vineyards together. i will miss you and will miss your lessons of Haka dance in Delhi
What an amazing person you were Louise, I'm so grateful and honoured to have had the opportunity to get to know you. You put your heart and soul into everything you did. Your amazing sense of humour and that contagious laugh of yours will live in my mind... moreWhat an amazing person you were Louise, I'm so grateful and honoured to have had the opportunity to get to know you. You put your heart and soul into everything you did. Your amazing sense of humour and that contagious laugh of yours will live in my mind always.
I still have a laugh when I think of us at the rugby in South Africa. It was South Africa against New Zealand and we proudly walked into a full stadium with the New Zealand silver fern stamped on our cheeks. We sure didn't hold back when NZ won 😊
Louise and I picked out a painting for my house some time ago. The other day this painting fell on my head. I didn't know at the time that Louise had left us, but when I found out yesterday, I looked up and smiled thinking - this is probably Louise's crazy way of saying goodbye.
Louise doing her good work, in 2001, in Tanzania with then Minister of Agriculture and Food Secutiry of Tanzania, Hon Charles Keenja and the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture, Mr Wilfred Ngirwa