Joan F. (Gardner) McDonald

Joan F. (Gardner) McDonald of Hudson, MA passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on August 15, 2019, due to complications from diabetes and Alzheimer’s; she was 76 years old.

Joan was born in Cambridge, MA and was the daughter of Earl and Frances (Cheney) Gardner. She had two sisters and a brother and was a graduate of Waltham High School. She worked for many years at Adcole Corporation in Marlboro as an executive administrative assistant until her retirement in 2013.

She enjoyed gardening, taking long walks, and spending time with her cat Millie. In her earlier years, she was an avid crafter, making hand-made dolls, countless Halloween costumes, cross stitch patterns, and handcrafted sweaters. No child born to family or friend went without a hand-made hoodie sweater lovingly knit from Joan. She had a knack for decorating and would spend countless hours browsing yard sales and flea markets for just the right antique accent to her home. Her garden was the envy of the neighborhood. She loved to travel and especially loved vacationing in Ocean Park, Maine. There she would soak up the sun, collect sea glass and sand dollars, toodle around town on her antique bike, and have lunches at the Soda Fountain.

During the past several years, Joan attended Pleasantries Adult Day Program in Marlboro where she enjoyed crafting, cooking, and participating in the many programs offered. The staff and the Pleasantries program were instrumental in slowing the progression of her dementia. She entered Coleman House Nursing Home in Northboro less than two months ago, where she died, surrounded by excellent, supportive care and peaceful final days.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Michele McDonald Denson and her son-in-law Gregory Denson. She was a doting grandmother to Sean Earl McDonald. She was very close to her sister, Marsha (Gardner) Buerk, who lives in Florida--the two “girls” spending countless hours giggling on the phone, and her cousin Leslie Brooks who predeceased her in 2016. Joan will be remembered by many family and friends, including childhood pen-pal Susan Cook, originally from England whom she continued to have contact with until her death.

There will be a private remembrance for Joan in her beloved Ocean Park. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ocean Park Association (Maine,) or the Alzheimer's Association.