Anne L. McDonald

Anne L. McDonald, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Born in Providence, she was the cherished daughter of the late Donald J. and Anna L. (Mahoney) McDonald. Anne is survived by her loving sister Maureen E. Parillo and her husband John D. Parillo, as well as her beloved nephew Domenic J. Parillo.
A lifelong resident of Warwick, Anne had called Ormsby Ave home since the age of 8. Having lost her hearing early in life, she never allowed it to define or limit her. Anne graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School in 1967, earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, and later returned to Rhode Island to complete her Master of Fine Arts degree at Providence College. She also studied at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where she was honored with the title of Poet Laureate.
Deeply involved in the deaf community, Anne served for many years on the board of the Ocean State Center for Independent Living. A devoted supporter of the arts, she loved attending plays and theater performances, and her adventurous spirit took her to destinations including Spain, France, and Hawaii. Proud of her Irish heritage, Anne cherished the opportunity to visit the homeland of her ancestors on three memorable trips.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 10:00am to 12:00pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025 in the Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. A memorial service will begin at 12:00pm in the funeral home. Anne's burial will take place at a later date, in St. Francis Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her parents who she cared for her whole life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne's memory may be made to the Ocean State Center for Independent Living, 1944 Warwick Ave, Warwick, RI 02889.