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 

Katrina Travis

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. 😇

Joe and April Digiannantonio

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.

Anonymous

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

3 Responses

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. 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. 😇

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