Carol McDonald

She was a mom for the ages; hers was a welcoming home. Maybe it was her gracious ways or perhaps that you were always being fed, but one thing was for certain: for her kids’ friends it was the “go to” house. Even the mailman would pop in for lunch. And her home was full of the sounds of Sinatra and Opera and the smells of Italian cooking; her meatballs and potato salad were legendary. She played cards with family and friends (best be ready when it’s your turn!) and taught her kids and grandkids the finer points of gambling. She even once built a makeshift craps table in their dining room. And, of course, she liked to let it ride at the casinos. She could fix just about anything from a bicycle chain to a leaky faucet and she was a lady on the go. For years she drove by herself down to Clearwater to visit family and check out her beloved Phils. But sports were never better than when it was her own grandkids playing; Carol never missed a game. If her T.V was on she’d probably be checking out some NCIS or Casablanca for the 100th time.

A young Carol once spied a handsome bartender named Martin while out with a group of friends. “I’ll take him!” she announced right away. He’d spend the next few decades telling her “Yes, dear.” She and the late Martin were blessed by two children: Christine Danley (Brian) and Jeffrey (Janice); and later by grandchildren: Meghan, Brooke, Daniel and Martin. She is survived by her sisters: Rosalie Schuck, Lucille Jennings and Anita Marris.

Come celebrate 73 great years Wednesday 6-8 p.m. and Thursday 10-11 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Beverly where there will be an 11 a.m. service. Interment Monument Cemetery, Beverly.