Helen Donna (Shedlock) McDonald died unexpectedly on January 1, 2022, in Davenport, FL at the age of 83.
Helen is survived by her son, Patrick McDonald of Brick, NJ, daughter Annmarie Nicora of Tampa, FL, son Andrew McDonald of Green Cove Springs, FL, son Francis McDonald of Davenport, FL and brother Joseph Shedlock of Long Pond, PA. In addition to her parents, Helen is preceded in death by her husband Francis J. McDonald, daughter Barbara (McDonald) Frazier and siblings Eleanor Shedlock, George Shedlock, Anne Shedlock, Marian Totino, Andrew Shedlock, Michael Shedlock, Dolores Haggerty, Patricia Rock, Thomas Shedlock, Florence Shovlin and Daniel Shedlock.
Helen was born on September 20, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Andrew and Anna (Matichka) Shedlock. She graduated from Coughlin High School in 1956 and entered the workforce. She married Francis "Frank" McDonald, her high school sweetheart, in 1962. Eventually moved to New Jersey, raising five children, while working at Toys-R-Us and Early Morning News. Helen enjoyed Polka dancing and/or listening to polka music on the radio on any given Sunday. It was a happy day for Helen when she landed a job at Freight Traffic Services, the same company where her husband Frank worked. They commuted together for years until 1984, when they moved to Florida. Helen worked at K-Mart for many years but always had a special love for babies and little kids, which led to her working at the St. Mary Magdalen preschool in the early 90s. In 1995, Helen and Francis moved to Davenport, FL where she resided ever since. Helen's most recent job before retiring was 15 years of service as a Walt Disney World cast member. Helen spent the last 36 years watching her grandchildren grow into adults and, in 2016, was blessed with her first great-grandchild.
Viewing will be held at DeGusipe Funeral Home, 9001 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 on Thursday, January 13, 2022, starting at 9:30AM-10:45AM with a Prayer Service from 10:45am-11:15am. A mass will follow at 12 Noon at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Ave, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 with the burial following at Orlando Memorial Gardens, 5264 Ingram Rd, Apopka, FL 32703.