Louise F Mcdonald

Louise Francis McDonald (Brown) of Buskirk, New York, born on August 5, 1924 in her family home in North Falmouth, Massachusetts, peacefully passed away on September 22, 2023, at the age of 99 in Valatie, New York. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and she and her husband served a mission for the Church in Salt Lake City Utah on Temple Square. Louise, known for her musical talents, was a passionate musician and had a deep love of classical music. She played the piano and French horn, performing with the Cape Cod Symphony while still in high school. She sang in several different church choirs while growing up in Falmouth. As an adult, she continued singing and playing the piano in church choirs, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus the Ledyard Ecumenical Choir, and in 2010 played the French horn again with the Colonie Town Band. When she could no longer play the piano herself, she would require visitors who could, play as an entrance fee. Louise graduated from Lawrence High School in Falmouth in 1942. With WW II raging, rather than college, she and her family moved to Quincy Massachusetts to work in the shipyard where she became a burner, cutting steel for the cruiser USS Boston. It was here that she met Don McDonald, who had been assigned to the USS Boston. Louise had many other interests including literacy volunteering, Brownie leader, and belonged to the Avion Camper Club. She was an avid watcher of the NASA Channel, the BYU Channel, and ironically was a devoted Yankee fan. Louise will be deeply missed by her surviving family members including her daughter Pat Taylor, son Mark McDonald, daughter Alison Laming, daughter Nancy McDonald, 16 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her grandson Robin Laming, daughter Rae Melson, and her beloved husband Don McDonald. A memorial service will be held in Bennington, Vermont on October 5th at the E P Mahar Funeral home on 628 Main Street. Viewing at 5:00 PM, service at 6:00 PM. Internment will take place on October 6th in Ledyard Connecticut at the Avery Cemetery, 202 Stoddards Wharf Road. The graveside service will start at 1:00 PM. During this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Louise McDonald. May her beautiful music and cherished memories bring comfort and solace to all who knew and loved her.