Mary Ellen (Perrier) McDonald, 83, of Whitman, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, following a brief illness.
Born on August 28, 1941, she was the cherished daughter of the late Kenneth M. and Helen M. (Collins) Perrier. Mary Ellen graduated from Hingham High School in 1959 and subsequently was “capped" for nursing in 1960. She then furthered her education by graduating from Stonehill College in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration.
Mary Ellen dedicated her life to family and service. She settled in Whitman in 1972, where she became an active member of the community. In recent years, she found joy in volunteering at the Whitman Public Library and Holy Ghost Church. Mary Ellen's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to Louis McDonald and Michele (McDonald) Robbins. Cherished "Grammy" to Lou, Matt, Josh, Emily McDonald, and Jared, Samuel, and Emma Robbins, she adored every moment spent with her grandchildren.
Mary Ellen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph G. McDonald, her sister Pat Perrier, and her brother Kenny Perrier. She is survived by her son Louis McDonald, his wife Karen, her daughter Michele (McDonald) Robbins and her husband Eric; her sisters, Kathleen (Katie) Perrier and Helen (Joey) Perrier; her brothers, Paul Perrier, and Kevin Perrier; and her 7 loving grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
As a young widow, Mary took great pride raising her two children as a single mother. Those who knew her, admired her strength. Mary was one to always stay busy. She enjoyed kayaking, traveling, spending time with family and her friends. She was a social butterfly. She will be missed dearly.
Family and friends are invited to Mary Ellen’s visiting hours on Thursday, January 30th from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. All are welcome to the Blanchard Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 31st at 9:45 AM to join in a procession before Mary Ellen’s Funeral Mass. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM at the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Private burial to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary Ellen's name may be made to Holy Ghost Church, Whitman, MA.