Ann R. (DeSimone) McDonald

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, graduated from Somerville High School, married Bill her husband of 69 years, moved to Kingston, Plymouth MA for 25 years and then to Wakefield MA for 35 years before moving to Auburn ME.

Ann was a vibrant person who never stopped learning. She ran her own clothing sales business and a successful sales team for many years.   Her second career was in the travel industry where she was a sought-after Tour Guide for international and local trips.  She loved traveling and continued to do so after her retirement. Her favorite destinations were London and the Canadian Rockies.

Everyone enjoyed listening to Ann’s stories about her own family history and growing up in the 1930’s and 40’s. An avid reader, she had an immense interest in history and museums and was talented at finding the most interesting information to share with her travel groups. She was a proponent of education and a lifelong supporter of PBS. Ann enjoyed square dancing with her husband, teaching children in 4-H clubs, and traveling to New York City where she passed along her love of theater to three generations of her family. An accomplished Canasta player, she taught classes in the Wakefield Senior Center, and at Schooner Estates.

Ann was a dedicated platelet donor, receiving recognition from the Deaconess Hospital for her continued commitment to helping fight cancer in memory of her son Joseph.

Ann will be remembered for having a kind word for everyone, her wonderful sense of humor, open heartedness, and compassion and support of others. She was a thoughtful and forward thinking woman who taught her children the value of hard work, loving your family, taking care of yourself, and appreciating the value of every person you meet.

Ann was predeceased by her husband William; they had 8 children. She was also predeceased by her son Joseph, her daughter Joy, her granddaughter Rachel, her siblings Josephine, Gilda, Letitia and Robert, and her daughter in law Christy Quigley McDonald. Her surviving children and their families include, Joanne McDonald and Philip Cosman of Maine, John and Darnella McDonald of AZ, James McDonald and Tracy Sidilau of MA, Joel McDonald and Jeri Jorstad of AZ, Julie McDonald and Nancy Stimson of Maine, Jacqueline and Brian Ahlquist of Maine, eight beloved grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and their children.

A funeral Mass will be held on March 4 at 11 AM at the Basilica in Lewiston, Maine.  A celebration of life will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Kingston, MA on June 22 at 11 AM.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in support of their research for a cure to childhood cancer.

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