BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. – Mary Ann McDonald (née Mason), 79, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, following a period of declining health.
She was born on July 31, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio, to Elizabeth Frigden Mason and Robert Mason.
Mary Ann was the beloved wife of James McDonald, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. Their love story began on the Italian Riviera in Viareggio during the summer of 1969. They were married on June 27, 1970, in Mount Gretna, Pa., surrounded by family and friends. Together they built a wonderful life and loving home in Bellows Falls, Vt., where they raised their son, and lived until 2023.
She was the devoted mother of Christopher McDonald and his wife, Melissa, and the proud, loving grandmother of Oliver, Adrian, Henry, Benjamin, Declan, and Harrison. Nothing brought Mary Ann greater joy than being “Grammy.” She adored each of her six grandsons, treasured every moment spent with them, and delighted in hosting “Grammy Camp” during the summers whenever her health allowed.
Mary Ann is also survived by her siblings, David Lawrence Mason (Todd Brown), Michael Mason (Nikki), and Jane Rohrbach (predeceased by her husband, Gary); her beloved niece, Carrie Currier (Thomas Blake); and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives she touched in countless ways.
In 1990, Mary Ann opened both her heart and her home to her niece after the loss of her mother. For more than three decades, she provided unwavering love, guidance, and stability, creating a bond that remained one of the greatest blessings of both their lives.
Mary Ann dedicated more than 40 years to elementary education in Pennsylvania and Vermont, spending the majority of her career at Central Elementary School in Bellows Falls, Vt. An exceptional educator, she was honored as the University of Vermont’s Teacher of the Year for excellence in teaching in 2004. She was a trained reading recovery instructor and also trained in the Success for All program, mentoring many teachers throughout the district. She inspired generations of students with her patience, compassion, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential, fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Those who knew Mary Ann will remember her as a kind, gentle, and nonjudgmental soul. She was a wonderful listener, a trusted confidante, and someone who always made others feel heard and valued. Family was at the center of her life, but she also treasured the many friendships she cultivated over the years.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid reader who made frequent trips to the local library and especially enjoyed novels by Danielle Steel. She loved Hallmark movies –particularly the mystery series – playing cards, quilting, sitting on her porch chatting with family and friends, and browsing fall craft fairs. She looked forward to an evening glass of chardonnay and never turned down lobster, peach pie, fresh corn on the cob, or a comforting bowl of soup.
Mary Ann loved gathering her family together. She faithfully hosted a summer picnic during Bellows Falls Alumni weekend, prepared memorable Thanksgiving feasts, and never missed a family Christmas celebration in Pennsylvania. She cherished summers spent at Lake Wallenpaupack with her siblings, nieces, and nephews, treasured vacations at Wells Beach, Maine, and enjoyed traveling extensively during her summers off, especially to visit relatives in Minnesota.
In 2023, Mary Ann moved to Cornwall Manor to be closer to Christopher and her siblings, where she remained surrounded by the love of family.
Mary Ann leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, quiet strength, and unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, mentor, and friend. The lives she shaped – both in her family and in her classroom – will continue to reflect the love, wisdom, and compassion she shared so freely.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Please join us Aug. 7, at 11 a.m., for a celebration of life and Catholic Mass at St. Charles Church in Bellows Falls, Vt., preceded by a visitation beginning at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Parks Place, 44 School Street Extension, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.