Josephine K. Macdonald

Josephine K. Macdonald of Alexandria, VA, passed away at home on Thursday, September 13th, 2018. She was 87. Born in Jefferson City, MO, she was the daughter of the late Henry Schaffer and Catherine “Katie” (Otto) Schaffer. She is survived by her children: David Macdonald of Alexandria, VA, Kenneth Macdonald of Alexandria, VA, Alpin Macdonald III of Wolfeboro, NH, Robert Macdonald and wife Joanne of Locust Grove, VA, Edward Macdonald and wife Gina of Lake Havasu City, AZ, and Kathryn Moriarty and husband Raymond of Fairfax, VA; her grandchildren: Jeffery, Amanda, Lindsey, Lauren, Abigail, Matthew, Elena, Jennifer, Ariel, and Shannon; her great grandchildren: Maggie, Chelsea, and Turner; her brother-in-law, Clarence Brenneke of Jefferson City, MO; and her sister-in-law, Carol Schaffer of Dixon, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alpin Macdonald, Jr.; her son Gary Macdonald; six sisters: Regina Schaffer, Marie Schaffer, Nettie Filipiak, Erma Gass, Leona Verhoff, and Henrietta Brenneke; and 3 brothers: Louis Schaffer, Anton Schaffer, and Vincent Schaffer. Josephine grew up on a farm in Dixon, MO. She was accustomed to hard work and life’s simplicities. Her original vocation was to become a nun; however, her path changed prior to her senior year of high school. On the suggestion of a family friend, she studied to be a nurse. She was a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. While her children were younger, she worked in the home. Eventually she returned to her nursing vocation and accepted a position as a pediatric nurse at Wineland, Wilmot & May, M.D.S., LTD. She retired in 1996. After retirement, she remained busy volunteering at St. Louis Catholic Church, as well as Christ House, a local food pantry. She was an active member of the Hollin Hall Senior Center. Utilizing her skills obtained as a nurse and mother, she also helped several families with elder care and child care. In her spare time, Josephine loved to garden and to spend time with her grandchildren. A Celebration of Josephine’s life will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church (Alexandria, VA) on Saturday, September 22 at 11:00 am. A reception will immediately follow at the church in Walsh Hall. A Mass of Christian Burial and interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers or meals for the family, donations in memory of Josephine can be made to organizations assisting people diagnosed with cancer and/or strokes. In memory of Josephine’s desire to help others in need, donations can be made to local food pantries. Above all, the family requests honoring Josephine’s legacy of kindness. Celebrate her life by performing random acts of kindness.