Josephine H. McDONALD

MCDONALD, Josephine H. Josephine "Jo" Herring McDonald, resident of West Simsbury, CT where she lived with her son and daughter-in-law, John and Elizabeth McDonald, died suddenly at the age of 78, on June 26, 2010 at the McLean healthcare center in Simsbury, CT. Josephine was the wife of the late John McDonald, long time Director of Libraries at the University of Connecticut, Stores CT. She and her late husband lived in Storrs for more than 40 years. Jo attended Vassar College, transferred to and graduated from The University of Pennsylvania where John was a member of the library staff. Josephine is the daughter of the late Dr and Mrs. James Herring of Merion Station, Pa. She had two sons, John Lawrence and James Randal. Jo had a keen interest in current events and politics and was an early and active member of the League of Women voters. She was also a long-time volunteer for Planned Parenthood, at one time serving on the Board. A lifelong opera buff, Jo was a strong supporter of the opera organizations in Connecticut and traveled to the Met whenever she could. She was an avid traveler with extended visits to all continents except for Antarctica and Australia. She is survived by her son John, two grandsons William and Miles McDonald, and her brother James Herring Jr. Josephine was a member of the parish of St. Mark's Episcopal Chapel in Storrs. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (July 31, 2010) at the Storrs Cemetery, N. Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT. The service will be held at St. Mark's in case of rain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Connecticut Foundation's John R McDonald Library Fund at 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269-3206.