Jean (Ackley) McDonald left us Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at age 98 in Burlington, Vermont. Jean is survived by daughters Susan Barden & husband Tom of Hinesburg and Melanie Gay & partner Tom Hamell of Williston, daughter-in-law Priscilla McDonald of St. Albans, 8 grandchildren, and 13 great-grands. Jean was pre-deceased by her parents, sister Barbara Hildebrandt, husband Verne L. McDonald, son Daniel H. McDonald and grandson Justin McDonald.

Our beloved Jean Shirley was born December 6, 1925 in Houlton, ME to Minerva & Gordon Ackley. Jean grew up in the small town of Smyrna Mills. She never forgot her deep roots in rural Aroostook Co. and treasured memories of a happy childhood – good times and adventures at nearby Pleasant Pond with lifelong friend Mary Elizabeth. Jean and future husband Verne "Billy" McDonald attended grammar school together and graduated from Merrill High. Her family then moved to Hampden, near Bangor.

In her youth Jean fell in love with the ocean and Downeast Maine. Her parents acquainted her with the coastal village of Cutler, where their ancestors were among the earliest settlers. She kept ties to relatives still living there.

Billy served in the US Marine Corps in WWII. He and Jean graduated from University of Maine, where Jean majored in Psychology. They married in 1948. They spent their first summers in Hampden and Orono where Billy finished his college degrees and they started a family.

Billy's first teaching job brought them to Vermont. They spent 15 years in Montpelier where Billy taught at MHS. The Montpelier years were spent raising their three children, making lasting friendships and contributing to community life. Their summers were full of outdoor adventures, since Billy, as a teacher, devoted much time to family fun like camping, picnicking, fishing and hunting. Jean dedicated time and energy to Trinity Methodist Church activities and found many ways to love and nurture her family. Jean was a wonderful homemaker and cook and was always busy with sewing projects, crafts, gardening and teaching the children about nature. She loved the outdoors and wildlife. Jean made every holiday special with her decorating and baking talents. The sight and sound of her playing and singing hymns, popular tunes and Christmas songs on her piano is a joyous memory.

In 1964 Billy moved the family to South Burlington, as he commenced a new career at Champlain College. Jean and Billy's friendship with Alice & Glenn Aiken, former Montpelier neighbors, helped them with the transition. Jean became an active member of First U.M. Church in Burlington. These were years of volunteer work by Jean: Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, and 26 years at UMC's Thrift Shop.

Jean enjoyed travel. As a couple, they toured national parks and took trips to Nova Scotia, Montreal, Ireland and the United Kingdom. On her own, Jean flew to visit Susan in Nice, France and thoroughly relished the experience.

Jean & Verne began to spend extended summers at their family cottage in Addison, Maine. Verne established a stellar garden there, and Jean preserved volumes of produce from VT & ME gardens. In Addison Jean pitched right in with the locals and helped with church suppers and sales. She loved the Faith UMC, the coastal landscape and "salt of the earth" folks.

One of Jean's greatest gifts to us all was the loving care she lavished on her grandchildren and great-grands. Each one was precious to her & Verne and a source of pride. She relished nothing more than to play with them, whether it was crawling on the floor, making mud pies or exploring woods, fields or beaches. She welcomed sleep-overs and was generous with her time and treats. She was at the heart of every family holiday, celebration and milestone. As kids matured, they could count on Jean's understanding and support.

Jean and Verne's marriage created stability and a loving environment for their children. They were happily married for 51 years. Jean was a devoted daughter and helped care for her mother during her visits to FL where her parents settled in their senior years. She enjoyed Florida and her years in the mobile home she inherited when her parents passed on. She especially enjoyed the good times she shared with granddaughter Katie, who lived in Orlando.

After Verne's passing Jean was fortunate to age at home, dividing time between So. Burlington, Zephyrhills, and Addison. She eventually chose to simplify, selling the FL property. As dementia started to affect Jean she was able to stay in her home for several years, made possible by the loving & capable care of Sheena Cota and family members. Jean's hip fracture in 2020 led to surgery and recuperation in a rehab facility. Family members with paid help attempted home care, but sadly decided that she truly needed full nursing care. Jean resided in Birchwood Terrace Longterm Care until her passing. We extend our thanks to all their staff and to Bayada Hospice workers who cared for Jean. Staff and residents expressed appreciation of Jean's gentle and kind nature. Some residents referred to her as a sweetheart or sweetie, and one named her "Flossie."

Jean's favorite things often involved being outside; she loved to sit in the sun, swim, walk, ride bikes, go to yard sales, eat at restaurants and go for walks. She enjoyed puzzles, reading, and playing cards. She was loyal to the Red Sox & the Celtics and was a mean basketball player in her youth. She loved pets and they loved her. She had a kind and soft-spoken way about her and keen intelligence; she applied her gifts to every aspect of life. She wanted to understand people, and cared about what "made them tick." Her warm, beautiful smile and her laughter will be missed and remembered by all who knew her. You were lucky if you were her friend. Her example of humility and loving kindness would be a fine example for anyone. Jean, we were blessed to have you with us for so many years. Would that you could pass this way again.

A celebration of Jean's life will follow in late Spring.