Donald J. MacEachern

Donald J. MacEachern obituary, Billerica, MA

Donald J. MacEachern

Donald MacEachern Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home on Feb. 26, 2024.

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Donald J. MacEachern, age 85 and beloved husband to Margaret L. (MacIsaac) MacEachern, died Friday, February 23. He was surrounded by loved ones for the duration of a two-week battle with pneumonia at Lowell General Hospital. As one might expect of him, he fought relentlessly while keeping his trademark wit in even the darkest of moments. On his last day, he said enough Hail Marys and Our Fathers to complete a rosary. Along with several "I love yous," his final words were, "All is well."
He was born in Judique, Nova Scotia on April 9, 1938 to the late John and Phemie (Malcolm) MacEachern. He spent his childhood on the farm on Centennial Road alongside 15 brothers and sisters whom he adored. After two years at St. Francis Xavier University, he left home to work in Ontario. But Judique was never far from his heart.
The whole of his heart was captured in 1958 when he was home on vacation and saw Margie at a dance in Creignish. He asked her for the last set and the rest is a long, beautiful love story resulting in four children, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. His family was his world and Margie was at the center of it all for 62 wonderful years.
Donald and Margie were married in August 1961, living in Watertown and Waltham before moving to Billerica in 1968 to raise their family. Donald was the founder of D.J. Mac & Son, a Local 537 HVAC contractor. This was an accomplishment he deeply treasured. In his retirement, he enjoyed his daily bike rides, adding to his wood pile for the fireplace, and watching his Bruins win (ever the optimist).
The family's pilgrimages to Cape Breton Island were annual summer events - a time to reconnect with family and his deep roots in the form of music, stepdancing, and storytelling. If he was home and there was a little Ceilidh brewing in the yard, Donald was quick to fire up the hibachi. He was always welcomed and deeply loved and respected by Margie's family.
He found immense comfort and strength in his Catholic faith and was an active member of St. Andrew Church for more than 50 years, serving as an usher and Eucharistic Minister.
In addition to Margie, he is survived by one daughter, Shelly (MacEachern) Davidson and her husband Todd of Portland, Oregon; three sons, Donald F. MacEachern and his wife Sharon of Billerica, David MacEachern of Chelmsford, and Stephen MacEachern and his wife Michelle of Tyngsboro; his siblings, Barbara Banks, Catherine Surette, Christine Walker, Stanley MacEachern, Johnnie MacEachern, and David MacEachern; his 11 grandchildren Taylor, Deborah, Danielle, Brendan, David, Cameron, Erin, Victoria, Cailey, Cash, and Polly; and his 6 great-grandchildren Parker, Maggie, Tatum, Emersyn, Johnny, and Carson.
In addition to his parents, Donald is predeceased by his siblings, Bobby, Billy, Monica (infant), Muriel (infant), Monica (Fallon), Bernadette (Gillis), Florence (Lahey), Catherine (infant), and Gordon (infant).
To say he will be missed is an understatement. He leaves a hole in our lives as big as his heart.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 4 – 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at St. Andrew Church, 45 Talbot Ave., N. Billerica at 12 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial will follow in Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish, One Grace Ave., Billerica, MA 01821
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

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Sign Donald MacEachern's Guest Book

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May 30, 2025

Donald Mac Isaac posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2024

Frank Penney posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2024

Debbie O´Neill posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Donald Mac Isaac

May 30, 2025

My name is Donald Mac Isaac originally from Glace Bay NS and Graduate from STFX (1971). A friend of mine saw the grave stone and sent me some pictures. I am on Ancestry and wonder if we are related. I have Mac Aechaern roots as well. I now live on Cape Cod. Would love to hear from you.

Frank Penney

February 28, 2024

Don was a great guy and mentor. I had the pleasure of being his apprentice in the 1970s at Boston Filter. I would occasionally stop by his shop and we would shoot the breeze about the HVAC industry and business issues. I remember seeing him pedaling away on 3A in Billerica dressed in his leather bruins jacket in February a few years back.
He was always on the move. Sorry I kinda lost touch with him, he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to you Maggie and family.

Frank Penney

Debbie O´Neill

February 27, 2024

Me and Don going to Lifecare to bring communion to the elderly another lady was with us he said she was his wife he pulled my leg we laughed then we went to a faith sharing six week session with his wife she told me he was a joker every time I seen him he made me smile thanks Donald so glad I knew you Margie prayers are there for you and your family May he Rest in Peace

Edith MacLellan

February 27, 2024

Margie and Family...so sorry to hear that Donald passed away. Words are so inadequate at a time like this. This quote sums up loss : I know in truth that the world has not been changed by the loss of you. And yet, I do not recognize the world I find myself in without you. (Edward Lee) I think of you every time I pass your former home. Blessings. Edith MacLellan

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Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home

66 Concord Road, Billerica, MA 01821

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Sign Donald MacEachern's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 30, 2025

Donald Mac Isaac posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2024

Frank Penney posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2024

Debbie O´Neill posted to the memorial.