Of Waltham, passed away peacefully at Newton - Wellesley Hospital surrounded by laughter from family and friends.
She was born in Watertown, MA and lived in Waltham, MA most of her life.
She was the wife of the late James H. McDonald. Jeanne raised four children, the late Charles R. McDonald, twins: Jeanne M. McDonald and James H. McDonald, Jr, and her youngest John (Jack) H. McDonald. She said her greatest gift and purpose was her kids and grandchildren who she showed true devotion and love.
Her oldest granddaughter and grandson, Belinda and Charlie spent many vacations and fun times with their Nana and Papa.
Nana retired early and had a knee replacement soon afterward so she could spend her retirement being active with JT and Livi. She continued to share her love with Belinda’s children: Peter, Ava, and Abby.
She loved children and was known as “Mrs. Mac” when she taught Sunday school.
She leaves her sons, their wives and their families: James H. McDonald, Jr. and Susie Fong McDonald and children James H. McDonald, III and Olivia Grace Fong McDonald; John (Jack) H. McDonald and Suzanne McDonald; the late Charles R. McDonald and the late Cheryle Studley McDonald and their children Belinda E. McDonald Sobosik and Charles R. McDonald, II; Belinda’s family Peter Sobosik and their children: Peter, Ava and Abigail. She leaves many friends of hers and ours she met including Jessica Wisocky who included her in her wedding to Miguel Rodriguez in the Dominican last year as her adopted Abeula. Finally Marthe Monestime who spent the last 5 years with her and her daughter both caring for her, going out anywhere and everywhere including movies, dinner, the beach and vacations that were not always easy, but certainly memorable and fun.
Jeanne was proud to be known as a “Newfie” since her father Henry Emberley was from Newfoundland. Her mother, Edith Mary Keats was from Chelsea, MA. Jeanne had one sister, Marjorie Emberley Hardiman who she was very close. She also had four brothers Jack, Tommy, Freddy and Rick.
Jeanne worked as a business manager and administrative assistant at EDC, GTE, Whitaker and other businesses. She worked on computers before they became commonplace and always used a computer up until a few years ago when she forgot how. She did typesetting, wrote proposals/grants and traveled when she worked for Education Developmental Center. She was talented and creative in many ways including sewing, embroidery, and crafts to perfection. She also wrote children’s stories and poetry.
Her enjoyment in life was her family and friends. She graduated from Waltham High School class of 1955 and studied at Framingham State College. She maintained a close friendship to Mary Priest since childhood until Mary’s passing years ago. She was a pleasant, engaging, strong woman. She often had a smile and laughed easily. She lived a full life. She will be missed and loved.
Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service in celebration of Jeanne's Life at Christ Church Episcopal, 750 Main Street, WALTHAM on Thursday morning Jan. 7th at 10:00 a.m. A Graveside Funeral Service will follow at Knollwood Memorial Park, 321 High Street, CANTON on Thursday afternoon Jan. 7th at 12:30 p.m.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Salvation Army, 33 Myrtle Street, Waltham, MA 02453.
The Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapels of WALTHAM assisted the family with arrangements.
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