Margaret McDonald

Margaret Rose McDonald (“Mama Peg”), August 15, 1943 – June 29, 2025. of Prattville, AL – The world lost a true original on June 29, 2025, when Margaret Rose McDonald — better known to those lucky enough to know her as “Mama Peg” — passed away peacefully at the age of 81. Born August 15, 1943, in Fort Plain, New York, she lived a life full of grit, laughter, love, and zero regard for anyone’s opinion of her unfiltered truth.

Peg began her life of service as a nurse in Harlem, New York, where she didn’t just care for people — she bossed them into feeling better. With a heart as big as her mouth (and that’s saying something), she brought compassion and sass to every patient she encountered. She later retired from Alpine Nursing Home in Florida, where she left behind a legacy of healing, humor, and probably a few scared doctors.

Peg had a deep and unapologetic love for the simple things in life: newspapers (which she read cover to cover with strong opinions on every story), clean communities (she would absolutely tell you if your yard looked like a mess), and libraries — her sacred space. Her faith in God was fierce, as was her devotion to her family.

She is survived by her beloved (and endlessly teased) only son, Phillip aka “George” Bevilacqua, who never escaped a nickname or a lecture. She adored her daughter-in-law Johnna Bevilacqua, who somehow passed the “Mama Peg” test and became family. Her two grandchildren, Gianna and Noah Bevilacqua, were the lights of her life and the topic of most conversations and Tim Rose (Karen) Amsterdam NY, Crystal Daurio ( Jan) Troy NY, Carin Lane (Thomas) Glenville NY, Kelly Beaulieu (Joe) Pittsfield MA, Katie Rose Clifton Park NY who are all deeply loved.

Peg’s heart was far too big to limit to just her family. She was “Mama Peg” to so many at Canaan Land Ministries and always Grace Life Church, where she loved on every single person as if they were her own, no matter where they came from or what their past looked like she loved you. If you crossed her path, you were seen, you were loved, and you probably got hugged and corrected all in the same breath.😊

Mama Peg was a mother to many — not just by blood, but by heart. She gave advice you didn’t ask for but probably needed, love you didn’t think you deserved, and stories that will be retold for generations (usually with laughter and a shake of the head).

A celebration of her life will be held in true “Mama Peg” fashion: with honesty, laughter, and absolutely no boring speeches. In lieu of flowers, pick up a good book, clean your front porch, or tell someone the truth (even if they don’t want to hear it). She would’ve liked that. We will gather on July 18, 2025 at Ridouts Brown Service Prattville Chapel at 347 E.Main St. Prattville. Celebration is at 6:00 PM and visitation at 5:00 PM.

She has requested that anything you would like to do in honor of her … please donate to Canaan Land Ministries in Autaugaville, AL https://canaanland.com/give/