Elaine Katherine MacDonald

Elaine K. MacDonald (Brophy), born February 3, 1943 to the late George and Mary Brophy. She was the loving wife of John J. MacDonald for 59 years. Elaine grew up in West Roxbury and raised her family in Dedham and Westwood, later retiring to Chatham and Tequesta, Florida.

Elaine married her childhood sweetheart, Johnny, in 1964, after being friends since elementary school. They marched together in St. Theresa’s band and spent many weekend nights at Holy Name Dances. Elaine finished nursing school and by the time John graduated from Northeastern in 1966, they had welcomed two children and over the next few years, added three additional children to their family. Working as a nurse at the VA hospital, Glover Memorial and the Duchess Altenheim, Elaine brought comfort to all the patients she watched over.

Elaine, “Lainey”, Mom, Grammie was an elegant and salt of the earth lady with a kind word for everyone she met. Twinkle blue eyes, regal white hair and one who never needed to be the center of attention, she had a Cheshire grin that left you wondering what she was thinking. She was quietly competitive, especially on the golf course. Elaine was the heart of her large family, hosting annual July 4th celebrations in Chatham, playing card games with her children and grandkids, preparing Sunday family dinners and often made homemade baked goods. Family gatherings were at the heart of what Elaine valued and her family was her greatest treasure.

Later in life, she and John traveled to many destinations: an African Safari, Egypt, particularly enjoying the Holy Land, Italy, a golf adventure in Ireland, an Alaskan cruise, and many more journeys. Elaine and John spent many days on the golf courses of Cape Cod National and Turtle Creek in Tequesta, Florida. Spending 20 winters at their home at Island House in Tequesta brought them much joy and happiness.

Survived by her loving husband John, and devoted mother of Marianne Wessman (John), Patricia Simone (Kevin), John MacDonald (Jen), Bob MacDonald (Meg) and Carolyn Aeschliman (Mike, deceased); Sister of Mary Renehan (Dick, deceased) and Joan Landon (Jim). Loving Grammie of eighteen grandchildren: Michelle, William, Rebecca and Elizabeth Wessman; Bryan and Meghan Simone; John, Tom and Craig MacDonald; Bob, Shannon, Tim, Sean and Brendan MacDonald and Maggie, Joseph, Katie and Jillian Aeschliman. Beloved sister-in-law to Bob MacDonald (Barbara) and Marilyn Kelly. She was Auntie Lainey to many nieces and nephews and a friend to people from all stages of her life. Elaine was predeceased by her brother, George Brophy Jr. (Lorraine, living), brother- in-law, Gerry MacDonald (Karen, living), as well as son-in-law, Mike Aeschliman (Carolyn, living)

For the final years of Elaine’s life, she was surrounded by the love of her family, especially her husband, John. The family would like to thank all of her doctors and caregivers who listened patiently and supported the family during a difficult journey.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Elaine's life to the Alzheimer’s Association ATTN: Donor Services 17th Floor, 225 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601 or https://www.alz.org

Visiting hours will be held from 4p-7p on Wed Aug. 30th at Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Rd., Chatham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Thurs 8/31 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Chatham. Burial will be private.