Mary Agnes (Mahoney) Donaldson
January 16, 1939 - April 7, 2023
Surrounded by her family, Mary Agnes (Mahoney) Donaldson, age 84, of Millsboro, Delaware, passed away, following a long illness on Friday, April 7, 2023.
Born in Bayonne, New Jersey on January 16, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Luke J. and May E. (Driscoll) Mahoney. She grew up in Bayonne and graduated from Holy Family Academy before going to Philadelphia to consider a vocation with the Sisters of Saint Joseph. However, while there she realized that God had other plans for her and left the congregation, moving to Newark Delaware with her family. There, she attended The American Institute of Banking and worked for the Farmers Bank of Delaware.
Mary Agnes met and married her husband, Walter, in 1958. After returning from a military deployment to Germany, they settled in Newark where they raised their family until they retired. Mary Agnes was a caring and loving mother, wife, and friend to all. She was active in her community and over the years served as a CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) teacher and church volunteer. Mary Agnes worked at the Little Sisters of the Poor – Jeanne Jugan residence from 1978 to 1982, was employed by Staz Food Services supporting MBNA America until 1993, then opened and ran a day care until her retirement in 1998.
In addition to her parents, Mary Agnes was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Jo Donaldson; her sisters, Elizabeth Ann Mahoney, Rita M. Norris, Veronica M. Williamson; and her son-in-law, Jacques L. Vial.
Mary Agnes is survived by her loving husband, Walter B. Donaldson Sr., with whom she celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary; her beloved children, Walter (Sharon), MaryLouise Vial, Michael (Kim), Luke (Karen), Neal (Lisa) and Joel; her sister, Sarah Boyle of Macungie, PA; seventeen grandchildren, Walter Donaldson III (Leah), Rachel Donaldson (Matthew), Matthew Vial (Theresa), Nicholas Vial, Annamae Vial-Beamer (Jack), Marybeth Vial, Kelly Krajewski (Patrick), Michael Donaldson (Nicole), Kelsey Donaldson, Brice Donaldson, Molly Donaldson, Sarah Donaldson, Natalie Donaldson, Brennan Donaldson, Lauren Donaldson, Reagan Donaldson; and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am. Interment will immediately follow the Mass in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Agnes’ memory to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here.
June Harris
My deepest condolences to the family! May God give each of you the courage to endure such a sad time. She will be missed 🙏🏽
Sharon (Dunn) Dickey
So very sorry to hear this. You knew me as Sharon Dunn. Arnie and Sheila’s Mom. Sharon Dickey’s 27 years now. Prayers and hugs
Tricia Capaldi
So sorry for you loss Marylou & family. Such a beautiful obit. RIP
Patricia Long
Rest in peace beautiful lady. Prayers for your family.
Mark Chronister
My deepest condolences to Walt and Luke and the entire family.
Robert Shannon
Our condolences to the entire Donaldson family. MaryAg was the best, they don’t come any finer. Bob and Phil Shannon
Marcine Bone Nabb
To the family, please accept my sympathies for your loss. Mrs. Donaldson’s memory will stay with me forever. Her everlasting smile, her warm greeting, her positive outlook on all aspects of life, her love for her family and friend, her wonderful non judgmental advice, all of these traits made my childhood much brighter, thank you Mrs. Donaldson. Love, Marci
Bill Fleisher
Dear Walt and Family:
I am sorry for the loss of your mother. May her memory be a Blessing.
Sincerely,
Bill Fleisher
Jean Derickson
So sorry to hear about your loss. Mary Ag was a wonderful person. Sincerely, Jean
M Fredric Rieders
Dear Walter Donaldson and family, With kindness and sympathy, I hope that loving and sweet memories of times gone by with Mary Agnes Donaldson will comfort you and stay with in this time of loss and grief.
As I lost my mother and dearest friend 1 year ago, I continue to hear her voice and see her smile in my dreams and when I see my family and friends who shared her wonderful life for over 90 years.
All those feelings, memories and love for Mary Agnes do not depart, they remain in the hearts, spirits and minds of all who continue with her memory.
May God bless you and your family with grace, peace and love. Kindly and sincerely, Michael Rieders