Elizabeth Ann Donaldson

Elizabeth (Betty) Donaldson passed away after a brief illness on April 11, 2019 (not a typo). The backlog for Arlington National Cemetery led right into the pandemic and now, 2 1/2 years later we will properly celebrate her life. Hers was life worth celebrating. Mom was born in 1926 and lived in the apartment building on Connecticut Ave. across from the National Zoo. In 1940, her family moved to Virginia and became one of the original homeowners in Arlington Forest. She lost a younger brother, John (Buddy) to Hodgkin’s Disease when he was sixteen. Mom attended George Washington University where she met her future husband, a WWII vet named John (Jack) E. Donaldson who was studying law. They married in 1951. Being a good Catholic family, the children soon followed. Dad was a local attorney in Arlington and then Falls Church for over 50 years. Mom and Dad were married for 56 years. Dad passed in 2008 and is inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. For over 40 years, the Donaldson’s lived in the house next to Tuckahoe Park, across 26th street from O’Connell. All seven Donaldson children graduated from DJO; an accomplishment Mom was enormously proud of. Something DJO related was always happening on Tuckahoe St. be it Theater or Sports or even some studying. All seven went on to earn college degrees. The house remains in the family. For over 50 years, Mom was a member of St. James Parish. In addition to her seven children and their spouses, Mom is survived by fourteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They were the lights of her life. Mom will join Dad in Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, September 27, 2021. Visitation is on Sunday, Sept. 26th from 4:00pm – 8:00 pm at Murphy's Funeral home 1102 West Broad St Falls Church, VA. A rosary for Mom will be said at 4:30. Friends of the family are welcome to attend. Mom’s funeral service is on Monday September 27, 2021, at 2:45 in the Fort Myers Old Post Chapel. A reception will follow in the Officers Club. Seating is limited in the chapel, but friends are welcome to join us for her inurnment ceremony in the Columbarium (Court 7-Section BB-Niche20) and the reception afterward. For those who might wish to attend, below is the link requesting base access to Fort Myers. https://pass.aie.army.mil/jbmhh. Note: It will not work the day of the funeral.