Northborough – Marguerite R. (McDonald) Keith, of Northborough, died Sunday, March 23, 2014. She was 90. Born on February 29, 1924 in Athol, she was a leap year baby, but her family who loved her made sure she was celebrated once a year.
Marguerite was a daughter of the late Robert and Eva (Chase) McDonald. Raised and educated in Athol, she graduated from Athol High School.
A veteran of World War II, Marguerite served in the United States Navy as a proud member of the WAVES, a division of the U.S. Navy that consisted entirely of women. The name was the acronym for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service.
She was married to Charles R. Keith until his death in 1979. They lived over 50 years in the Cochituate section of Wayland until her move to the Orchard Hill Assisted Living Community in Sudbury and lastly with her daughter in Northborough. While in Cochituate, she worked for many years as a clerk at the former Johnson Pharmacy.
Marguerite loved her family. Other interests included time spent at the family home in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, where she would love to swim. She kept her mind active with reading and daily crossword puzzles, knitting, and crocheting, and she enjoyed membership in the Community United Methodist Church and many groups within.
She joins in heaven her husband, Charles, her grandson, Evan Woodruff and her brother, Douglass McDonald.
Marguerite leaves her children, Charles R. Keith Jr. and his wife Marti of New Albany, Indiana, Bonnie H. Keith of Shrewsbury, Robin L. Woodruff and her husband Robert of Charlestown, Rhode Island, and Kimberley L. Pryor and her husband Jason of Northborough; her grandchildren, Courtney Johnston, Cameron Keith, Cali Blair, David, Julie and Daniel Arcaro, and Evan Woodruff; her great-grandchildren, Gabby, Max, Molly, and Caroline; her sister, Prudy Fiant of Parkville, Missouri; and nieces and nephews.
Marguerite's family will gather privately to honor, remember, and celebrate her life. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland. There are no calling hours.
Honor her memory with a contribution to National Women Veterans Association of America Headquarters, Barrack 16 Suite 205, 2730 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego , CA 92106.
