Obituary of Edna I. McDonald

Edna I. McDonald, age 93 of Belmar, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2019.

Edna was born in North Arlington on May 16, 1925 and was the daughter of the late Anna and Arthur Borkstrom. She was predeceased by the love of her life, John “Red” McDonald, after 40 years of marriage, and her sisters Marguerite Murphy, Evelyn Henry, Anne McGorry and Joan McDevitt. She is survived by her six children and spouses, Jim & Eileen McDonald of Lansdale, PA, Eileen McDonald & Gwenn Hopper of Belmar, Mary Jane & Kevin McGann of Randolph, John & Lynn McDonald of Rockaway, Eugene & Sharon McDonald of Morris Plains, Joseph & Anne McDonald of Randolph; eleven grandchildren, Brian (Kate), Scott (Carey), Kevin (Heather), Michael (Danielle), Danny (Kristie), Andrew (Jenna) McGann, Stephanie (Jacob Tripp), John (Kate), Alexandra, Christopher (Colleen), Eric McGann and nine great-grandchildren, Conor, Ryan, Maeve, Morgan, Lily, Fiona, Jack, Emma and Chase. Edna is also survived by brother-in-law Pat McDonald, his wife Beanie, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Before moving to Belmar, Edna welcomed all to her special home on Perry Street in Rockaway Township. She took great pleasure singing in the St. Clements Church choir and loved taking trips to the Jersey Shore. Throughout her life, her love of family, cooking, baking, gardening and cheering at family sporting events brought her great joy. She was an avid fan of the NY Yankees, the Giants, slot machines and a refreshing Tanqueray and tonic “with two limes please.” All who knew Edna will cherish these memories and so much more. She will be dearly missed and joyfully remembered.

Visitation will be held at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains, NJ 07950 on Friday, January 18, 2019, 5-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Virgil’s Church, 250 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains, NJ 07950 on Saturday, January 19, 2019, 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Ave., East Hanover, NJ 07936.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a bouquet to a loved one in her memory. Flowers were one of Edna’s delights. The family would like to thank Lee and Dora for their years of compassionate care and, of late, the hospice staff of Grace Healthcare Services for their kindness and expertise.  Donations may be made to them in Edna’s name on their website: www.gracehcs.com.