MCDONALD, Janet Eleanor

Bunker Family Funeral & Cremation, Mesa, Arizona Janet Eleanor McDonald October 13, 1919 ~ November 10, 2012 McDonald, Janet Eleanor (Charters) (October 13, 1919–November 10, 2012) of Mesa, AZ, has passed away at age 93. A loving spirit has left this life, but leaves behind a legacy of inner strength and kindness. Janet was born less than a year after the end of WWI, on a dairy farm in Williamsfield, Ohio, to James (Jim) and Jewel Ina (Sharp) Charters (both 1891). Following the death of their father, Janet and her five siblings (Evelyn (1916), Betty (1917), Doris (Dot) (1915,) Marcielle (Cielle) (1922), and Harold (Harry) (1918) were raised with love by their mother and stepfather, Russell E. Dillon, along with half-brother Russell (Red), Jr. (1925). In a time when few women went to college, Janet graduated from Ohio University and interned at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. After finalizing her studies to become a Registered Dietitian, Janet accepted a commission in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. As a newly minted 2nd Lieutenant, she was posted to Camp Abbot in Bend, Oregon, where she met a young Lieutenant Arthur James McDonald, Jr. (1916-1992) whom she later married. Following the war, the young family moved to Art's hometown, Warren Pennsylvania. After the family moved to Arizona in 1964, Janet served as Chief Dietitian for Mesa Lutheran Hospital for many years. On her retirement from the Hospital, Janet volunteered and was later employed at Hawthorne Elementary School, in Mesa, AZ. She enjoyed her time as a teacher’s aide and worked with several grade levels, but she especially loved working with the kindergarteners. She cherished her later years, in Hawthorne’s office, and was recognized several times as District Employee of the Month. At Hawthorne, she was loved by many children, staff, and teachers, as she shared with them the wonders of homemade bread, jellies, and cookies, the beauty of homegrown flowers from her garden, and natural plant-dyed Easter eggs. Janet embodied neighborliness, “simple acts of kindness,” and “never stop doing.” We are better for her time with us. Janet is survived by her four children, James Lee McDonald [Agnes], Linda Jean Bolduc [Bill], Marilyn Elaine McDonald [James Morgan], Sande Dannenbaum [Mike Daubney], and “extra daughter” Dawn Slocum. Her grandchildren are Michael Jon Bolduc, Tracy Lee (McDonald) Nesbit [Andy], Jason Francis McDonald [Shannon], and Mark Justin Bolduc [Ellen]. Her two great grandchildren are Ethan Gregory Nesbit and Nathaniel David Nesbit. Memorial Celebration planned for Saturday 12/15/12. Contact: merlinmcd@gmail.com