Lillie M. McDonald

Lillie M. McDonald was born December 5, 1928, to Robert Brown (deceased) and Mary Armstrong Brown (deceased) in Mayfield, Kentucky. She had three siblings- Mary Ellen Brown, Roberta Robbie Brown and Robert Brown, Jr.. She graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in 1946 and relocated to Boston, Massachusetts.

She worked in a variety of jobs after arriving in Boston and ultimately met and married the love of her life Wardean McDonald (deceased) who was a maintenance mechanic in the United States Navy. She bore seven beautiful children – Cheryl McDonald-Spriggs, Rosemary Alexander, Anita Louise McDonald, Wardean McDonald Jr. (deceased), Paul McDonald, Robin Smith and Kim McDonald.

She successfully pursued a nursing certificate (CNA) and enjoyed working and assisting elderly patients for many years. In 1975 she began working for the Polaroid Corporation and retired from there in 1995.

She loved to cook, listen to music, dance and play cards, especially Bid Whist. She was an avid reader and taught her children to be industrious and self-sufficient. She instilled a sense of pride and self-worth and, above all, love of family.

Lillie was a strong leader and had a wonderful sense of humor. She celebrated every birthday as a holiday, and she welcomed family and friends alike into her home.

She lived a full life and died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 97. She is survived by six children, eight grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

Her love and support of her family will sustain us for many years to come. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.