Ellen Marie McDonald of Manchester died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 31, 2019. Ellen is survived by her 6 loving nieces and nephews and their families; Patrick and Jeanine McMahon Longo (Nicole, Jon Patrick and Jeanine) of Yonkers, NY; James J. and Joy Zucco McDonald (Shannon, Brandon and Grace) of Montclair, NJ; John P. and Bernadette DeCastro McDonald (Kevin) of Watchung, NJ; Mary Anne McDonald and Joe Benning of Reston, VA; Joseph A. and Susan Fricke McDonald (Elizabeth and Tessa) of Bridgewater, NJ; and Ellen McDonald O’Loughlin and Stephen O’Loughlin (Stephen and Keelin) of Chatham, NJ. Ellen is also survived by her loving cousin, Eileen Mullen Tallent (of Scarsdale, NY) and her family, and her loving sister-in-law Oswalda McDonald (of Lakewood, NJ). Ellen was predeceased by her brother James P. McDonald, her sister-in-law Mary Gibbons McDonald, her sister-in law Therese Beausejour McDonald, her sister and brother-in-law Jane and (Deacon) Ralph Longo, and her nephew Ralph D. Longo.
Ellen was a woman of great faith, and a devoted parishioner of St. John’s Church in Lakehurst. Prior to her move from Greenwood Lake, NY, Ellen attended Holy Rosary Church in Greenwood Lake, and was a lively member of the Senior Center there. Ellen attended school at St. Simon Stock Parish in the Bronx as a young person, and was a proud graduate of the Hunter College School of Education.
Ellen dedicated her life to helping others. Ellen never married, working to support her family during the post-Depression years, and caring at her home for her mother, aunt and uncle through the ends of their lives.
Ellen’s career as a teacher and guidance counselor provided her with the opportunity to advise and support countless students and families in New York City. Her experience in dealing with challenging situations and many personalities gave her wisdom that was often sought by her friends and family, and gladly received. While her words were always supportive, helpful and constructive, her actions spoke volumes more as she quietly and carefully resolved problems and created opportunities for others. Even during the several years prior to her death when Ellen battled an aggressive form of cancer, she always kept a positive attitude, and reflected on how blessed she was to have faith to sustain her. We reflect on how blessed we are to have had Ellen in our lives.
Family & friends are invited to the visitation on Wednesday February 6, 2019, from 3-7 pm at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, NJ 08759. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9 am, on Thursday February 7, 2019, at Saint John's RC Church, 619 Chestnut Street, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NY.
In recognition of Ellen’s appreciation for education for all, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Hunter College Foundation, General Scholarship Fund, 695 Park Avenue, Suite E 1313, NY, NY 10065 (or visit https://hunter.cuny.edu).
