Donna L. (Foley) MacLean
Tewksbury, MA – Age 84
Donna L. (Foley) MacLean, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Tewksbury on Monday, January 20th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born and raised in Lowell, MA, Donna was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph P. Foley and Mary (Hally) Foley.
Donna’s early years in Lowell were filled with vibrant activity and community involvement.
She attended St. Margaret's School, Lowell High School, and Newman Preparatory School in Boston before earning her bachelor's degree in education from Merrimack College in 1962. It was there that she met the love of her life, Norman MacLean, her devoted husband of 61 years.
Donna began her career teaching at the Heath Brook School in Tewksbury before focusing on raising her family. She was a devoted wife and mother who poured her heart into creating a beautiful home and an extraordinary childhood for her four children. Her creativity, care, and love defined her role as the cornerstone of her family.
Donna remained deeply engaged in her community throughout her life. She volunteered and worked as a substitute teacher in Tewksbury Schools, was an active member of the Lowell Girls Club and the Lowell Garden Club, and served on the Merrimack College Class of 1962 Reunion Committee. She was also a talented artist who cherished her weekly craft classes.
Her warmth and kindness drew people to her effortlessly. Friends and strangers alike were captivated by her magnetic presence, stunning blue eyes, and the genuine care she showed in every interaction. Donna had countless friends with whom she loved to laugh and catch up, always brightening their days with her positivity and compassion.
Summers in Ogunquit, ME, were among Donna’s happiest times. Her family gathered there each year to share sunny beach days and evenings filled with lobster dinners, storytelling, and cherished memories. She adored her grandchildren, caring for many of them over the years and creating moments they will treasure forever.
Donna is survived by her adoring husband, Norman J. MacLean of Tewksbury, her children Timothy MacLean and his wife Maureen Lawson of Wilmington, Jonathan MacLean and his wife Judy of Windham, NH, and Erin (MacLean) Soroko and her husband Dan of North Reading. She was the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren: Kayleigh, Holly (Feldhouse), and Tim MacLean; Colby and Victoria Larsen; Jon Jr. and Lauren MacLean; and Ethan and Logan Soroko. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Madeline and Charlotte.
Donna is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Gail (MacLean) Lynch of Lowell, her brother-in-law Thomas MacLean and his wife Colleen of Maryland, and her sister-in-law Mary MacLean of York, ME, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved daughter, Elizabeth (MacLean) Larsen; her sister Patricia A. Foley; her brothers Joseph, William, and Robert Foley; and her brother-in-law John "Jack" MacLean.
A private funeral service will be held next week in Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or by mail at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Donna was truly the most nurturing, loving, and kind person, touching the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and countless beautiful memories.