Lebanon, NH – Lebanon, NH- Louise M. MacDonald, formally of Pelham, MA, died on Wednesday, September 23 at the age of 90. Louise was born on April 21, 1936, in Worcester, Massachusetts to Alaric and Marie Mason. She graduated from UMass Amherst in 1958 with a bachelors in Home Economics. After graduation, she worked as a County Extension Agent for Hampshire County. For a time, she even had her own radio show, where she answered one particularly amusing call about removing a live skunk from a living room. She attended and sang in the choir at Wesley Methodist Church in Amherst where she met her future husband, Thomas MacDonald. They were married in 1959 and had two children. Louise was an accomplished seamstress and worked out of the home, making alterations for customers, and creating just about any article of clothing. In later years, she worked with the Valley Light Opera, making costumes for their Gilbert and Sullivan productions. Louise was well known for her quilting skills. She made wedding quilts for her nieces, nephews, and children, as well as countless hangings. Upon the unexpected death of her husband in 1978, Louise began her career working outside the home: first as an assistant librarian at Amherst Regional High School, and then as a records clerk at UMass-Amherst. Louise took great pride in her vegetable and flower gardens, often working alongside her longtime friend Wendy. She and Wendy also spent many years volunteering together at the Pelham Free Public Library. She may have had ulterior motives, however, since volunteering at the library afforded her the opportunity to be the first to get her hands on the newest Inspector Gamache, Alex Cross, or Women's Murder Club. Louise was a passionate fan of the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox. In January 2024, Louise moved to an assisted living facility in New Hampshire. Sitting with her children at the kitchen table in Pelham, she was quoted as saying, "Ok, I'll go. But I will NOT play bingo!" Louise is predeceased by her parents, Alaric and Marie, and her husband, Tom. She is survived by her son David MacDonald (Doris), her daughter Cathy Richardson (Eric), her grandson Henry Richardson, and her step-grandchildren, Kerri Shreenan and Michael Henault. Tara Reed, author and caregiver advocate has said, "While no one can change the outcome of Alzheimer's, with the right support you can change the journey." Louise's family is profoundly grateful for the exceptional care she received at Harvest Hill Assisted Living in Lebanon, NH. A memorial gathering will be held at the Pelham Free Public Library on November 21, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the National Alzheimer's Association, or The Pelham Free Public Library.
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Louise MacDonald