Rosemary (Borden) McDonald

Rosemary (Borden) McDonald, 86, of Marlborough, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025 surrounded by her loving family after a short period of failing health.

Rosemary is survived by her sons, Matthew L. McDonald and wife Robin of Upton, Andrew L. McDonald and his wife Sharon of Marlborough, and former daughter-in-law Jody Gledhill and her husband Rick of Marlborough; her devoted sisters Patricia Corey and Margaret Souza; and beloved grandchildren Jeffrey, Sean, Erin, Emily, and Charles; four great-grandchildren and extended family.

She is predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Lucien R. McDonald; her parents Margaret and Frederick Borden; and her sister, Joan Lewis.

A graduate of Framingham State University, Rosemary worked in the health care field for 60 years devoting more than 30 years to UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital as a Medical Technician. Rosemary’s dedication to her profession and her compassionate spirit touched the lives of many colleagues throughout her career.

Rosemary enjoyed giving back and was a dedicated volunteer for over 10 years to the field of Juvenile Probation. Committed to animal rescue, she regularly adopted senior dogs providing them with the loving “end of life care” she felt they deserved.

Most recently, she spent the last six years as a tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester and as a reader for Learning Ally and LibriVox recording audiobooks for the blind and visually impaired from her home studio.

Rosemary’s greatest joys in life were her family and friends who will forever remember her unwavering devotion to the Boston Celtics, her talent for crocheting beautiful afghans, baking the best birthday cakes, and most of all her kind heart.

In lieu of flowers, please celebrate Rosemary’s love of learning through a memorial donation to Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester:   https://www.lvgw.org/for-students/free-esol-citizenship-classes/

A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

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