Obituary of Jean MacDonald

Jean Edith (Bonugli) MacDonald, a resident of Burlington for 50 years, passed away at Lexington Health Care on Wednesday morning, November 12, 2014. She was 88 years old. Jean was born in East Boston. She was the daughter of the late Dominic and Jessie Bonugli. She was raised and educated in the Orient Heights section of East Boston. Jean settled in Burlington in 1964 to raise her family. Jean was an energetic and outgoing person who was always on the go. She was always balancing her roles as a mother, employee, shopper, host, and friend. She enjoyed each and every facet of her life. Over the years she had a wide variety of careers including; Schrafts Candy, Sweetheart Plastics, Burlington school bus driver, and at the Lahey Clinic coffee shop for her last 15 years before retiring. After retiring she took a part-time job as a bus monitor until the age of 79. She enjoyed working and interacting with people. Jean was a spirited, encouraging, loving mother as well. She loved sharing time with her children and grandchildren. Her home was a gathering spot for her children’s friends. She was a fantastic cook as well as a baker. There was always room at her kitchen table for family and friends. She would make incredible Sunday dinners that always brought her family home to enjoy a great meal and enjoy each other’s company. She leaves her children, grandchildren, and friends with lasting memories filled with love, laughter, and excitement. Jean was never one to sit idle. She had her routine which included a daily trip to Dale Pharmacy to play her number, Bingo nights, dancing, and shopping. If her house was quiet, she was off shopping. She loved seeing friends at the stores and hunting for bargains and special gifts. She extended herself as well to her friends and neighbors. She gave rides, shopped, and assisted those who needed a helping hand or some companionship. Jean was a firecracker who shared her gifts and love with all those whom her life touched. Jean was the beloved wife of Beloved wife of Charles M. She was the loving mother of Brian & his wife Kristen of Burlington, Greg & his wife Tracy of Tyngsboro, Diane Olson & her husband David of Billerica, Gary & his wife Allison of Woburn, and the late Samuel Colangelo. Sister of the late Arlene Palladino, Madeline Porcella, & Catherine “Babe” Sweeney. Proud grandmother of Tara, Mark, Jennie & the late Lisa Marie Colangelo; Amy, Brianna, James, Sharie, Brad & Jack MacDonald; Ashley & Ryan Olson. Aunt of Mary “Ginger” Washburn of Wilmington. Funeral Services will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on 15 November, Saturday at 11:30 AM. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, 14 November from 4PM to 8PM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Fox Hill Cemetery Billerica. Memorial’s in Jean’s name may be made to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 www.dana-farber.org