Helen O. McDonald

Helen O. (George) McDonald, 98, of Saylorsburg, formerly of Johnstown and Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Helen was the devoted wife of the late Gilbert D. McDonald, Jr., who preceded her in death on March 30, 2020. They shared a beautiful marriage of 68 years. Born on October 7, 1926, in East Orange, NJ, Helen enjoyed a happy childhood in a large Italian family. She was preceded in death by her cherished parents, James and Amelia (Meade) George, and by her beloved siblings: Rose (Fiori), Antoinette (Pete), Florence (Bob), James (Peggy), and Allan (Barbara). Helen is survived by her loving children: Kim Economy and her husband, Frank, with whom she resided, of Saylorsburg, PA; Gilbert McDonald III and his wife, Rebeca of Lebanon, PA; and Stephen McDonald of Douglassville, PA. Family meant everything to Helen, and she especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren: Kellen Economy (Nicole), Michael Economy (Savannah), Kelly McDonald, Sean McDonald (Taylor), and Nicole McDonald. She found great joy in her great-grandchildren: Jack and Grace Economy, Palmer and Piper McDonald, Serena Harter, and James Lazer. Helen is also survived by many nieces and nephews, with whom she maintained close and loving relationships. A truly beautiful soul inside and out, Helen was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a wonderful "Mom Mom: and "GG: to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made friends wherever she went-nurturing and cherishing those connections for decades. Helen was like a second mother to many of her children's friends and welcomed everyone into her heart and home. Helen loved to plan parties and gatherings, always delighting in preparing the perfect menu. She generously gave her time and spirit to others and was a lifelong volunteer. Helen was an avid reader and talented painter. She enjoyed music, cross-stitching, knitting, and gardening. She took such joy in the flowers in the garden. A passionate golfer, Helen and Gil were longtime members of Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown, PA and Dolphin Head Golf Club in Hilton Head, SC. She rarely missed watching a golf tournament on TV. Helen held dear the memories of summers spent at Point Pleasant and Manasquan, NJ, first with her siblings and parents, and later with her husband and children. After Gil's retirement, the couple enjoyed many winters with the family and friends on Hilton Head Island, SC. A private graveside service will be held at the Gilbert Cemetery in Gilbert, PA at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date at one of Helen's favorite places-the Blue Ridge Winery in Saylorsburg. Knowing Helen, she is surely wishing she could help plan it! In honor of Helen's lifelong compassion and love for children and families, donations may be made in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House at www.philarmh.org www.kresgefuneralhome.com