The eldest of eleven children of the late John and Catherine (Robinson) Cole, Dawn was predeceased by her husband of nearly 50 years Kenneth R. McDonald Sr.; a son K. Russell McDonald Jr.; a grandson Kenneth R. McDonald III; five brothers Peter, Kenneth, Dustin, Jack and Jay Cole; and three sisters Carolee Mayette, Mary Cassort, and Janet Erwin. Surviving is her daughter Laura McDonald Hills and her husband Michael of Granville, Ohio; a daughter-in-law Debbie Whitcombe McDonald of Ogdensburg; five grandchildren Heather McDonald Bryan (Justin Bryan) of Oldsmar, Florida; Elizabeth Hills (Jared Wenard) of Denver, Colorado; Matthew Hills of Granville Ohio; Tyler Carrow (Jamie Skiff) of Ogdensburg; Hayden Ives of Ogdensburg; five great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Maverick, Ocean, Avery and Amelia; a sister Jane Jackson (John) of Calgary, Alberta; and brother James Cole of Ogdensburg, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Born and raised in Ogdensburg, New York, Dawn graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1954 and later married Kenneth R. McDonald on October 18, 1956 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Dawn’s work career began in Ogdensburg at the Ogdensburg Paper Supply and later Acco Brands. However, it was the family business of Howland Pump and Supply Co., where Dawn’s heart belonged. As the company’s chief advisor, Dawn worked tirelessly for decades to successfully grow the company alongside Ken and Russ. Dawn cared deeply about all the employees at Howland Pump and they still feel her presence today. In her spare time she was the treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church in Ogdensburg, an active member of the Zonta Club, the Garden Club, a member of the Hepburn Hospital Board, and continued supporter of the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, the Frederic Remington Art Museum, and the Ogdensburg Community Players. Dawn’s love of family, church, the Ogdensburg community, and her beloved New York Yankees showed in everything she did. She was gracious and generous, and was an excellent host that would happily throw a party together at a moment’s notice.
During her years in Florida, Dawn enjoyed the sun, warmth, and close friendships in retirement with Ken. She remained active with the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Sarasota serving as treasurer for many years. She was an avid supporter of Sarasota’s Selby Botanical Gardens and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Sarasota also proved to be a perfect vacation spot for visits by her children and grandchildren, but her heart remained firmly bonded to her North Country family and friends, the St. Lawrence River and the Ogdensburg community. Hers was an exceptional life, well-lived with uncommon generosity and grace. She is sadly missed by her family and the many friends she made along the way.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on May 4, 2023 at 10:00am at the First Presbyterian Church in Ogdensburg, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dawn’s memory can be made to the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, 610 Patterson Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or at http://www.obgclub.com. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
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