Joan Elaine MacDonald, 83
Dateline: Dennis, MA
Joan Elaine (Callahan) MacDonald, 83, of Dennis, died Monday, May 11, 2020 surrounded by her children and grandchildren, with extended family from all over the world praying for her.
Joan was born January 4, 1937 in Arlington, MA, the daughter of the late Edward and Alice (Lyons) Callahan of Arlington, MA.
Joan was the adoring wife of Jack MacDonald, (Watertown MA) and as they always joked, their life together started on very thin ice, having met at the Boston Skating Club when Jack asked her to join him for a couple’s skate. That skate together blossomed and grew through 58 years of loving marriage.
Joan carried her family through many adventurous moves from Massachusetts to Maryland, Connecticut, Texas, and Pennsylvania. In retirement, she knew there was ‘no place like home’ and she and Jack moved back, close to family, and settled on their beloved Cape Cod. It’s was here, on Cape Cod, close to their children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews the ocean, Our Lady of the Cape Church, she and Jack lived happily for 17 years.
Joan graduated from Arlington High School (MA) in 1954, then went on to graduate from Boston State University with a degree in Elementary Education, in 1958. She was very proud of being a teacher and cherished her time as a kindergarten and 2nd grade teacher in Natick, MA before staying home to focus her love of children on raising her own.
Joan was known for her beautiful smile, genuine love of people and for encouraging friends and family to be near. She was always prepared to have a get-together at a moment’s notice. She loved serving in the church and quickly volunteered in every church on her journey in a variety of roles including her favorite, that of the liturgical ministry.
Joan is survived by her two children Eileen (Jim) Cooke of Mansfield, MA, and Mark (Susan) of Newton, MA. She was the proud and loving grandmother of five grandchildren. Her role of Nana to Gavin, Marisa, Ethan, Jack and Alissa brought her great joy for their grace, love, laughter, and kindness.
Joan is survived by her brother Ed Callahan, and sisters Alice Coughlin and Kathy Alderson, fifteen precious nieces and nephews and twenty-three great nieces and nephews.
The family will honor Joan in a private service. But those that wish to honor her memory, please call a loved one today and celebrate the little things about each other that make our lives so grand.
To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com