ELIZABETH U. MACDONALD

MACDONALD, Elizabeth U. "Bessie" 75, of Ashland, passed away Friday, May 1st at her home surrounded by family. She was the wife of the late Malcolm MacDonald, who died in 1990. Born and raised in Mabou, Nova Scotia, the daughter of the late John and Sarah (Cameron) Rankin, she moved to Boston in 1960 and joined the MA Turnpike Authority in 1980 serving as a toll collector until her retirement in 2000. A resident of Ashland since 1988, she was an active member of St. Cecilia's Parish, Ashland, and the Marion Prayer Community Center of Medway. However, her heart was always "down home" in Mabou, where she spent the summer and fall months of her retirement. You could find her keeping the fire going, heading to square dances for a good set, and entertaining family and friends with her quick wit, and homemade rolls and tea. She touched many lives with her kind and generous heart and her willingness to help those in need. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her children and spoiling her grandchildren. Mrs. MacDonald is survived by five children: Karen Slinker (Thomas) of Largo, FL; John D. MacDonald (Ann C.) of Watertown; Francis MacDonald (Darlene) of Watertown; Darren MacDonald (Sarah) of Pembroke; and Dawn Tangney (Paul) of Franklin; grandchildren; Malcolm, Daniel, Finnley, Erin, Margaret, Katherine, Julia, Jacob, and Elizabeth; siblings; Marguerite Lauzon (Rudy) Halifax, Nova Scotia, Catherine Cameron (Martin) of Margaree, Nova Scotia, Manny Rankin (Anne) of Windsor, Ontario, Daniel Rankin (Effie) of Mabou, Nova Scotia, Donna Ann MacDonald (I.D.) of Windsor, Ontario, Mary L. Beaton (Donald) of Mabou, Nova Scotia, Judy MacDonald (Gerald) of Port Hood, Nova Scotia, Janet MacDonald (Hugh) of Judique, Nova Scotia, Roddie Rankin (Paula) of Windsor, Ontario, Terry Rankin (Ella) of Fort McMurray, Alberta, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was the sister of the late Alexander Rankin, John C. Rankin and John G. Rankin. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 5th at 9 am in St. Cecilia's Parish, 54 Esty St. in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Monday from 4-8 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in ASHLAND. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 18 Canton Street, Stoughton, MA 02072 www.mataresefuneral.com