Emily MacDonald
Emily MacDonald, long time resident of the Wissinoming section of Philadelphia, sadly passed away March 30, 2025, at the age of 83. She dedicated 25 years as a beloved school aide at Smedley School, where she touched the lives of many.
Emily was the devoted wife of the late Bruce MacDonald Sr. and a loving mother to Bruce MacDonald Jr. (Christine), Kenneth MacDonald (Karen), Nancy Dever, and Robert MacDonald (Maureen). She was also preceded in death by her son, John MacDonald.
She was a cherished grandmother to Bruce (Nicole), Justin (Julie), Kristina (John), Kevin, Desiree, Emily, Katelyn (Brian), Paul (Katie), and Cailin (Anthony). Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Daniel, Logan, Ryan, Skylar, Maverick, McKenna, Ryleigh, and Anthony.
All are invited to Emily’s viewing and prayer service at McCafferty Funeral & Cremation Inc. Phila PA 19135 (between Unruh & Knorr Sts.) on Monday April 7th from 10:00 am -11:30 am. There will be a prayer service at 11:30 am in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Emily’s memory to the Eagles Autism Foundation, Eagles Autism Foundation
We just found out at the office today . We are so sorry for your loss. I truly loved Emily. I will miss her phone calls . My prayers are with your family ❤️
For Bruce, Ken, John and Nancy: Joanne and I want to covey our deepest sorrow at the passing of your Mom. Emily was a truly authentic, loving person and will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her. As I think about those times when we were with her, from summer days at Uncle Bill's and Mary Ann's house, or with Aunt Dolly at hers, I am reminded of her kindness, her love, her speaking her mind and of how giving she was to all of us when we were just being boisterous (and somewhat bratty/whiny) kids. I fondly recall being with her, your Dad and the rest of the MacDonald's at Lions Lake park in Jersey, swimming in the cedar lake, playing horseshoes and baseball while our Dad's barbecued chicken, hotdogs and burgers. Of course, the Phillies were always on the radio. Emily will be missed but I am certain she is now in heaven with Uncle Bruce and John, and that she will be looking in on all of you with the greatest love and affection. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Bobby
We are so sorry for your loss! We had the privilege of meeting her on granddaughter’s wedding day. And boy was she so proud! You could see it in her eyes! One beautiful lady! May you rest in peace! With sincere condolences! Joe and Mary Crescenzo
To the entire MacDonald Family I am very sorry for the loss of your mom. Great Memories made with your mom from planting her beautiful garden to sitting out front with Mary and my sister being greated by everyone walking by and commenting what a great block to live on. Your mom was a big part of that. Her kindness and beloved soul went straight to heaven. Emmie give my mom and brother a big hug. You will always remain in our hearts a true and faithful servant of God. God Bless You Emmie. Love You.
Mom Mom Emily 💖 By Katrina Travis In Loving Memory of Emily MacDonald Emily came into this world full of courage. She left Germany as a young orphan, chasing a better life, Crossing the ocean on a hot day in May 1956, Brave and hopeful for what was to come. She built a life full of love and strength, Standing beside Bruce, her one true love. They married on May 21, 1960, And their love only grew deeper over the years. Emily was a devoted wife— Strong through life’s challenges, Faithful and loving through every season. Her strength came from her deep faith. The first time I saw her on Charles Street, A soft song played in the background— “My Eyes Adored You.” That song will always remind me of her. Emily was a wonderful mother— She worked hard every day and prayed every night. She took care of every need, Turning her house into a warm and loving home. Her kitchen was filled with joy— Cookies, cakes, and family favorites. Her potato and macaroni salads were unbeatable, And her mashed potatoes brought comfort to every meal. She made things with love— Crocheting, baking chocolates, And creating special favors for every event. Her thoughtful touches made every moment feel extra special. But most of all, she loved being Grandmom. She poured her heart into every grandchild— Spoiling them with love, surprises, and hugs. Their joy was her greatest happiness. Even when life got tough, Emily stayed strong, Holding on to her faith and her family. Her strength and love never wavered. Her laugh lives on in the eyes of her children, Her care in every family tradition. Though we can’t see her now, Her love will always be with us. She’ll live on in every home-cooked meal, In every song that plays softly in the background. We were truly blessed to know her. I will miss her forever, And I will carry her memory in my heart. With love that will never fade. 😇
Emily made the greatest pound cake.. and she made a really nice family it was beautiful watching them all there to spend her last moments together
My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful soul. She had a personality that made strangers feel as if she knew them for years. She embraced us and made us feel welcomed and loved. She told great stories and had a great sense of humor. She has left her mark on our lives and her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she has touched.
We were sorry to hear about Aunt Emily's passing. It was good to see her a few years ago when she came down to Delaware when our dad died for his funeral. She looked amazing. Love Lizzy & Joey
We were sorry to hear about Aunt Emily’s passing. It was good to see her a few years ago when she came down to Delaware when our dad died for his funeral. She looked amazing.
Love
Lizzy & Joey
My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful soul. She had a personality that made strangers feel as if she knew them for years. She embraced us and made us feel welcomed and loved. She told great stories and had a great sense of humor. She has left her mark on our lives and her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she has touched.
Emily made the greatest pound cake.. and she made a really nice family it was beautiful watching them all there to spend her last moments together
Mom Mom Emily 💖
By Katrina Travis
In Loving Memory of Emily MacDonald
Emily came into this world full of courage.
She left Germany as a young orphan, chasing a better life,
Crossing the ocean on a hot day in May 1956,
Brave and hopeful for what was to come.
She built a life full of love and strength,
Standing beside Bruce, her one true love.
They married on May 21, 1960,
And their love only grew deeper over the years.
Emily was a devoted wife—
Strong through life’s challenges,
Faithful and loving through every season.
Her strength came from her deep faith.
The first time I saw her on Charles Street,
A soft song played in the background—
“My Eyes Adored You.”
That song will always remind me of her.
Emily was a wonderful mother—
She worked hard every day and prayed every night.
She took care of every need,
Turning her house into a warm and loving home.
Her kitchen was filled with joy—
Cookies, cakes, and family favorites.
Her potato and macaroni salads were unbeatable,
And her mashed potatoes brought comfort to every meal.
She made things with love—
Crocheting, baking chocolates,
And creating special favors for every event.
Her thoughtful touches made every moment feel extra special.
But most of all, she loved being Grandmom.
She poured her heart into every grandchild—
Spoiling them with love, surprises, and hugs.
Their joy was her greatest happiness.
Even when life got tough,
Emily stayed strong,
Holding on to her faith and her family.
Her strength and love never wavered.
Her laugh lives on in the eyes of her children,
Her care in every family tradition.
Though we can’t see her now,
Her love will always be with us.
She’ll live on in every home-cooked meal,
In every song that plays softly in the background.
We were truly blessed to know her.
I will miss her forever,
And I will carry her memory in my heart.
With love that will never fade. 😇
To the entire MacDonald Family I am very sorry for the loss of your mom. Great Memories made with your mom from planting her beautiful garden to sitting out front with Mary and my sister being greated by everyone walking by and commenting what a great block to live on. Your mom was a big part of that. Her kindness and beloved soul went straight to heaven. Emmie give my mom and brother a big hug. You will always remain in our hearts a true and faithful servant of God. God Bless You Emmie. Love You.
We are so sorry for your loss! We had the privilege of meeting her on granddaughter’s wedding day. And boy was she so proud! You could see it in her eyes! One beautiful lady! May you rest in peace! With sincere condolences! Joe and Mary Crescenzo
For Bruce, Ken, John and Nancy: Joanne and I want to covey our deepest sorrow at the passing of your Mom. Emily was a truly authentic, loving person and will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her. As I think about those times when we were with her, from summer days at Uncle Bill’s and Mary Ann’s house, or with Aunt Dolly at hers, I am reminded of her kindness, her love, her speaking her mind and of how giving she was to all of us when we were just being boisterous (and somewhat bratty/whiny) kids. I fondly recall being with her, your Dad and the rest of the MacDonald’s at Lions Lake park in Jersey, swimming in the cedar lake, playing horseshoes and baseball while our Dad’s barbecued chicken, hotdogs and burgers. Of course, the Phillies were always on the radio. Emily will be missed but I am certain she is now in heaven with Uncle Bruce and John, and that she will be looking in on all of you with the greatest love and affection. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Bobby
We just found out at the office today . We are so sorry for your loss. I truly loved Emily. I will miss her phone calls . My prayers are with your family ❤️