Mary Margaret MacDonald (Whalen)

Mary MacDonald, 90, of Falmouth, MA, formerly of Bedford and Lexington, MA, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Born in Springfield, MA, the daughter of the late Edward and Margaret (Barry) Whalen, Mary lived a life marked by warmth, compassion, and spirited humor. She spent her early years in Springfield, MA, graduated from Fitchburg State College, and later raised her family in Bedford, MA, alongside her beloved husband of 57 years, Basil MacDonald, who predeceased her.

Mary dedicated her early career years as an elementary school teacher before transitioning to a role as an administrator with the Millipore Corporation. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life—gathering with friends, traveling the Maine coast, Europe and Alaska with loved ones, and giving back to the community. A woman of deep faith, she was an active parishioner of St. Bridgid's Church in Lexington, MA, where her generosity and presence were felt by many through her knitting of gifts and preparing meals for those in need.

In her later years, Mary moved to Falmouth, MA, where she was embraced by the vibrant community at Heritage of Falmouth. Her wit, warmth, and lively banter endeared her to all who knew her. She continued to enjoy spending time with neighbors, staff, friends and family, always with a sparkle in her eye and a quick laugh at the ready.

Mary leaves behind her children Edward MacDonald and the late Diana MacDonald, Newport, NH; Cathy MacDonald and Tom Belanger, Shrewsbury, MA; Susan (MacDonald) Daganhardt and David Daganhardt, Falmouth, MA; grandchildren Eric Mac Donald, Marlene Pena, and their daughter Lorena, Sunrise, FL; Michael Daganhardt, Hull, MA; Sam and Christiana (Begin) Daganhardt, and their children David and Julianne, Warwick, RI; and Gus Daganhardt, Bridgewater, MA. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Larayne Webb and Elinor Moynihan.

Mary will be remembered for her good spirits, sense of humor, and genuine kindness. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her surviving family and the many friends whose lives she touched. Mary will be laid to rest at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, MA, joining her husband Basil in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to Rosie's Place at www.rosiesplace.org or a charity of your choice.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date.