Mother, grandmother of residents
Donna MacDonald. (Courtesy photo)
Donna E. (Zaikis) MacDonald, 88, of Marlborough and formerly of Needham died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, at her home. She was the wife of the late Alexander L. MacDonald, who died in 2002. She was born, raised, and educated in Boston, the daughter of John and Mary (Slaninis) Zaikis, of South Boston and was a graduate of Gate of Heaven High School Class of 1944 and Burdett Business School. She worked as an administrative assistant for the Needham Public Schools for many years, retiring in 1988. She previously worked for Boston State Hospital and the Dover Town Hall for many years.
Donna enjoyed traveling, attending the theater, and listening to Garrison Keillor. She was also a gifted seamstress who will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, dry wit, and devotion to her family. She was a wonderful friend to many. She will be remembered as an amazing listener and as a hardworking, detail-oriented, strong, and independent woman.
She is survived by a son and four daughters and their families: Alexander L. MacDonald Jr. of Hanson; Celine Lielle of Point Richmond, Calif.; Christine E. MacDonald of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Donna M. Lee of Harvard; and Bonnie Jean Watson of Maynard. She is also survived by her grandchildren Veronica Lee and Alex Lee of Harvard, and Elias Zwang and Lily Zwang of Calif. She was predeceased by two brothers and a sister.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Sept. 29, in the Good Shepherd Chapel at New Horizons, Marlborough. All are invited to sign Donna’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Casimir, 2601 W Marquette Road, Chicago, IL 60629, or Gentiva Hospice, 406 Hemenway Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.
