Margaret Macdonald

• 

Macdonald, Margaret age 97 and longtime resident of Edina, passed away on February 17 at The Glenn in Hopkins after a brief illness. Better known as "Maggie," she was born Margaret Gasperi in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Her parents, Michael & Minnie Gasperi, were Italian immigrants who both died by the time Maggie was four years old. She was then raised by an elder sister, her aunt and her grandmother. During high school, Maggie lived with her guardian, Monsignor Edward F. Jackson in Clinton, IA. She graduated from Holy Angels Academy and from the nursing school in Clinton and became a nurse at the local hospital. It was there that she met George W. Macdonald. They were married in 1940 and had two sons who were raised in Minnesota. Always strikingly attractive, Maggie did some modeling during those years. She also entertained many with her wonderful cooking. Her pies were legendary. Maggie became a young widow in 1971. Determined to live, she then went into real estate, working for the Gittleman Corporation for ten years. She also learned to play tennis and swim, and sang in her church choir. She was an active member of Our Lady of Grace parish for many years. Maggie had a warm personality and made friends easily. In 1985, she married Orville Grimes, a WWII infantry veteran. He passed away in 2002. Maggie is survived by her two sons, William Macdonald of Bloomington and George P. Macdonald of New York City, as well as other beloved family members: her son's partners, Sharon Andersen and Maryann Macdonald; and her grandchildren, Jeff Macdonald and Kelli Marie Leeman, Megan and Alison Macdonald; and her great-grandchildren, Allie and Erika Leeman, Leia Macdonald, George Ryan Freniere and Nicolas Kaden Macdonald. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Friday, March 11, 2016 with visitation one hour prior to Mass, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave., Edina, MN. A memorial service and luncheon will immediately follow the Mass. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on March 6, 2016