Louisa Buchner McDonald

Louisa Buchner McDonald, 72, of Radnor, Pa., died October 13, at Paoli Memorial Hospital. Louisa was a graduate of Friends School of Baltimore and Goucher College, Baltimore. She married her late husband F. Joseph McDonald on July 1, 1967. He died in September 1994. She is survived by a son, Frank McDonald, a brother, Morgan M. Buchner Jr. of Little Silver, N.J., two nieces, Jennifer Siegel of Westfield, N.J. and Meredith McCambridge of Bethlehem, Pa. Louisa was a consummate volunteer and particularly adept at getting others involved in charitable projects. Her passions were needlepoint and miniature golf. Many called Louisa an organizer extraordinaire. She was the founder of Santa's Brigade in 1996 while employed at Main Line Bank and was still involved with a consortium of companies and organizations that have joined together to provide gifts at Christmas to those in need throughout the Delaware Valley. Jeanne La Rouche, founder of Surrey Services, was quoted as saying "Louisa was an important part of the Surrey success story. Her drive, energy and loyalty made her a role model for board members of her generation and beyond." Louisa was known by Surrey Services for Seniors in Berwyn, Pa., and Family Services of Montgomery County, as the organizer of successful annual auctions that raised thousands of dollars for those charities. In addition, she was active in the Paoli Hospital Auxiliary from 1979 - 1995 where she had been auxiliary president from 1991 - 1993. Earlier in her career she was involved in the Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania. She was an inspiration to volunteers in the auction events she managed and was particularly effective in raising funds by never accepting a "no" answer from donors. She will be sorely missed by her many friends and associates in the community. Cremation Society of Pa., Inc.