Joanne M. McDonald

Of Rhinebeck, New York, formerly of Braintree, died February 2, 2025.

Beloved mother of Jeannemarie A. Haight of Somerville.

Cherished daughter of the late John G.J. McDonald and Mary L. (Dalton) McDonald.

Loving sister of Marianne Woodsome of Santa Barbara, California, and the late Margaret McDonald, John McDonald, and Paul McDonald.

Sister-in-law of Jeanette McDonald of Germantown, New York, and Barbara Fallon of Massachusetts.

Joanne is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Joanne, the eldest of five children, grew up in a close-knit family in Braintree. She attended Archbishop Williams High School before continuing her education, ultimately earning a Master’s in Education from Bridgewater State.

She began her career as a teacher at Girls' Trade High School in Lynn, MA, before embarking on an adventure abroad. Joanne spent time living in Zurich, Switzerland, where she taught, and later in Naples, Italy. A passionate traveler, she explored Ireland, Egypt, and many other destinations, often accompanied by family and friends or sometimes solo.

After returning from Europe, Joanne settled in Rhinebeck, NY, alongside her brother John, where both started families. She dedicated many years to the Rhinebeck School District as a substitute teacher and tutor, touching the lives of countless students. She also managed the Delamater Inn and worked at the Antiques Barn in Rhinebeck before retiring.

Joanne was deeply devoted to her family and friends, who will always remember her as an incredibly caring and generous person. Above all, she cherished her daughter, to whom she gave her whole heart and the world. She will be dearly missed.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joanne’s life by gathering for a visiting hour in St. Margaret Church of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 800 Columbia Road, Dorchester, on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. Followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M.

Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Canton.