Johna M. MacDonald

Johna MacDonald of Marblehead, MA, died on June 14, 2022 recovering from prior emergency surgery. Johna, the youngest of the children of Neil and Maria MacDonald was born in New York City in 1976. Theirs was a Coast Guard family who were then stationed and quartered at the Coast Guard Base on Governors Island, in the middle of New York harbor. At an early age, Johna was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and the family was introduced to terms like "special needs" and "education", "quadriplegia" and "early intervention." Specialty care programs became part of the family life.

When Johna turned 5, the family was transferred to the Boston/Cambridge area, and they settled in Marblehead, MA. A support system was developed with local medical therapists and specialty organizations, such as United Cerebral Palsy. Johna remained at home with her parents and caregivers until the age of 19, and then transferred to an intense therapeutic program at Crotched Mountain, NH. She completed her program at Crotched Mountain and then entered a day habilitation program and a group home operated by TILL, Inc. Her last residence was in Danvers, MA, where she lived with her long time friend, Meri.

Despite her many challenges and physical limitations, Johna always presented as a happy person and was seldom seen without a smile on her face. She enjoyed tasty food, but her all-time favorite was her Mom's home-made pizza. Favorite activities included weekend visits home to Marblehead to be with family. She enjoyed watching television comedies. That was a favorite past time. She saw every episode of every season of "The Golden Girls." From early times on, Johna enjoyed listening to and harmonizing to music that included oldies from the 60's up to soft rock. Duets with her friend, Meri, were a joy to hear. Johna was the center of numerous family activities, and celebrations.

In addition to her parents, Johna is survived by her five brothers and sisters and their partners, Theresa (John), Scott (Kevin), Patricia, Kerry (Candace), and Daniel (Lisa) and by six nephews and nieces.

Rest in peace, dear Johna. you will always be remembered as our Forever Child.

A funeral Mass was held for Johna at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on June 18, 2022.

Inurnment and burial will be held at a later date.