Brookie A. McDONALD

NEWPORT NEWS - Brookie Aleen McDonald, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012.
Aleen was born Jan. 18, 1926, to William Edgar and Brookie Ella Hardison and "born again" spiritually in 1950. One of eight children, she is survived by two sisters, Annie Belle Pierce of Wilmington, N.C., and Dot Wynings of Carrollton, Va., and brother, Billy Hardison with wife Bobbie of Newport News, Va.
Aleen met the love of her life, Charles Howard 'Mac' McDonald in 1942, and they were looking forward to their 70th anniversary this October. They had two wonderful children, Carol and Billy.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Hazel, Mary, Edna and Anna Lou; and her daughter, Edna Carol Fernald.
She is survived by her son, William Charles 'Billy' with daughter-in-law, Dianne. Their four children, Misty Carol Escobar with husband Dany, Nathan, Gavin with wife Katy, and Kirsten will dearly miss their 'Granny Mac.'
She is also survived by her granddaughter, Donna Carol Grubbs with husband Steve, and their children, Christina and Andrew. They will also dearly miss 'Grandmother.' Aleen was also blessed to have three great-grandchildren who will miss their 'MeMac,' Michelle, Samy and Julian 'JuJu' Escobar. She is also survived by nephews, Wain and Jeff Patterson, Chuck Wynings, and many other nieces and nephews.
Aleen's focus was her family, who she loved to cook for and visit with. She has enjoyed a lifetime of love and devotion, together with Mac. They pursued many endeavors, including bowling, playing golf and creating crafts for years. He will miss her more than words can say. She loved to select and give the perfect gifts to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her talents in homemaking and decorating were always a source of beauty and inspiration to her family. She was always looking forward to seeing the Lord and her family members, already in His presence.
Her family wants to thank those doctors and nurses who lovingly cared for her at Riverside Regional Hospital and Riverside Rehabilitation at Hampton during her last days with us.
A graveside service is planned for 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, at Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive family and friends following the service at her home in Newport News.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, Newport News. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.