Joan Ann McDonald of Chester passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021.
The daughter of Edward and Marcella Sforza, Joan was born March 28, 1936, in the Bronx. She was a longtime resident of Blooming Grove.
Predeceased by her husband and best friend John McDonald and their grandson Patrick McDonald, Joan was 85.
Joan was the well-loved matriarch to her devoted family. Joan and John’s children are: Jack McDonald (Gillian) of Poughkeepsie; Kevin McDonald (Debra) of Lithia, Fla.; Richard McDonald (Lisa) of Naperville, Ill.; Brian McDonald (Karen) of Washingtonville; Kieran McDonald (Kimberly) of Washingtonville; Timothy McDonald (Kathleen) of Ridgefield, Conn., and Aileen Vanderpool (Joshua) of Goshen. Adored by her 23 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, she was ever present in their lives and very proud.
Joan was the eldest and beloved sister to Marcella Lee (Michael); Richard Sforza (Colleen); Edward Sforza (Nancy); and MaryAnn Alvord (Phil Pandolfo). Their children, her many nieces and nephews, rounded out her joyful and loving family.
Joan was a woman of immeasurable personal strength and unbreakable constitution. The love that she shared with her husband John and the deep multigenerational love of family they cultivated, have served as an inspiration and bonding tie for all of her family.
This world was made a better place for all who were touched by her and her legacy will be celebrated for generations.
Friends were invited to call Nov. 10 at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Washingtonville, on Nov. 11.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of Orange & Sullivan, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845-782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com).