Marcia McDonald

Marcia Kathleen McDonald passed from this life on April 26, 2025.

The world dimmed a bit when her light went out.

Marcia was born on April 15, 1948. She showed a talent for the arts at an early age. After graduating from Murdock High School in 1966, she attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Fine Arts. Upon receiving her bachelor degree and a subsequent teaching degree, Marcia returned to Winchendon teaching the arts to the towns school children. She also mentored the older students in the town’s popular Tournament of Plays. After many years, Marcia left Winchendon to further her education at Brandeis University where she received a Masters in Theater Arts.

Her career in theater began at the Boston Opera Company working in set, stage and costume design. She soon moved to New York City and began a career as a costume designer, working on shows both on and off Broadway as well as Shakespeare in the Park performances. Though Marcia loved her time in New York she never forgot her love of teaching. She accepted a position at Illinois Weslyan University teaching design in their Theater Arts Program. After a long and satisfying career, Marcia retired as a tenured Professor of Costume Design.

Marcia loved the arts, the beauty created by our hands through which our souls could shine. Marcia loved her students of all ages. She sought to touch the core inside us all that allows our talents to blossom and soar. Marcia loved her family above all. She was a devoted daughter, wonderful sister and the best of fun aunt. Marcia’s love of animals, particularly dogs, cannot go unacknowledged. She supported several charities, helping to ease the pain of abuse and abandonment suffered by these poor animals. She shared her life with several well loved pets.

Marcia was preceded in death by her beloved parents Robert V. McDonald and Florence R. (Wick) McDonald. She leaves her siblings Maureen Cote (David), Melanie Maxwell (Earle), Mary Dirrane (Brian), Robert McDonald (David), and Mona Riberdy (Richard ). Marcia also leaves many nieces and nephews , each so dear to her heart. And she leaves her little dog Thimby, who misses his Mom very much.

The world is indeed darker without Marcia. She was a singular light in the lives of her family, friends and students.

In lieu of flowers the family asks you to please consider a donation to Massachusetts Animal Coalition (http://massanimalcoalition.org) or

15/10 Foundation (15outof10.org)

Visitation will be Tuesday May 6th 5-7 pm at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St. Winchendon, Mass. A private burial for family will be held the following day at Cavalry Cemetery in Winchendon.