Marlborough – Donna E. (Zaikis) MacDonald, 88, of Marlborough and formerly of Needham, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014 at her home. She was the wife of the late Alexander L. MacDonald, who died in 2002.
She was born, raised, and educated in Boston, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Slaninis) Zaikis, of South Boston, and was a graduate of Gate of Heaven High School Class of 1944 and Burdett Business School.
She worked as an administrative assistant for the Needham Public Schools for many years retiring in 1988. She previously worked for Boston State Hospital and the Dover Town Hall for many years.
She was a member of the Retired State County and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts.
Donna enjoyed travelling, attending the theater, and listening to Garrison Keillor. She was also a gifted seamstress who will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her dry wit, and devotion to her family. She was a wonderful friend to many. She will be remembered as a hardworking, detail-oriented, amazing listener and a very strong and independent woman.
She leaves a son, Alexander L. MacDonald Jr. of Hanson; her daughters, Celine Lielle of Point Richmond, Ca., Christine E. MacDonald of Brooklyn, N.Y., Donna M. Lee of Harvard, and Bonnie Jean Watson of Maynard; two grandsons and two granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers and a sister.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Sept. 29 in the Good Shepherd Chapel at New Horizons of Marlborough, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery of Needham.
All are invited to sign Donna’s online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com.
Donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Casimir, 2601 W Marquette Rd., Chicago, IL 60629 or Gentiva Hospice, 406 Hemenway St., Marlborough, MA 01752.