Patricia E. McDonald

Patricia E. McDonald, 88, a longtime resident of Bridgton, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, in the comfort of her home, while surrounded by her loving family.

Born in New York City in 1924, and raised in New Ross, County Wexford, Eire, Patty returned to the states after completing her technical schooling. She worked as an executive secretary at R.H. Macy and soon met the love of her life, Martin J. McDonald. They were married in 1947, and enjoyed 50 wonderful years together.

After falling in love with Bridgton on their honeymoon, they soon moved here to raise their family. Pat and Marty owned and operated the Red Gables Tourist Home for a number of years.

While working with Marty to bring up their four daughters, Pat stayed active in the community through her contributions to the St. Joseph Catholic Church, her participation in the Hospital Guild, and her service as a troop leader with the Girl Scout organization for many years before eventually returning to work by her husband’s side at Renys Department Store.

Her hobbies included gardening, various needlework projects, reading, and numerous seamstress creations. The latter was evidenced by her costume design for multiple pageants, plays, dance recitals and family Halloween outings for her daughters. She also enjoyed baking and rooting for her beloved Boston Red Sox.

One of Pat’s crowning achievements was taking her four daughters, their husbands, and her precious granddaughter on a family trip to Ireland in 2008. Through this trip she shared the wonder of the country that Maine reminded her of, introduced current generations to their Irish heritage and, most importantly, established connections with the family who continue to make it so special.

Patricia is survived by her four daughters and their husbands: Kathleen and Ralph Bodmer of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Teresa and Steve Fishler of Riverside, Calif., Patty and Larry Scholz of Stoughton, Mass. and Bridgton, Maine, and Anne and John Goroshko of Raynham, Mass. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Krystina Patrice Goroshko, of Raynham, Mass. Additional survivors include her sister, Marita Poline, of Fairfield, N.J., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in the states and abroad, especially in her precious Ireland.

Pat was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Martin J. McDonald. She was also predeceased by her three brothers, Richard, John, and James Teehan.

She was much loved and will be greatly missed by all who ever had the pleasure of meeting her.

Relatives and friends are invited to a time of Visitation and Celebration of Pat’s Life on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton, Maine.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 South High Street, Bridgton, Maine. Committal prayers and burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the McDonald family suggests that donations in Pat’s memory may be made to Bridgton Hospital, 10 Hospital Drive, Bridgton, Maine, or to The Jimmy Fund, Boston, Mass.