Obituary of Johanna N. MacDonald

Johanna N. MacDonald, 85, of Syracuse, died at her home on Thursday surrounded by her loving family. She was born in New Berlin, NY and her parents were C. Lawrence Nelson and Nell Grace Powers Nelson. Mrs. MacDonald was a graduate of the Syracuse University School of Nursing in 1949. After she graduated, she began working at the College of Nursing and then moved to Good Shepherd Hospital. Mrs. MacDonald retired in 1989 as the Assistant Director of Nursing at SUNY Upstate where she had worked for many years. During her retirement years, she and her husband assisted many friends and family with health and financial matters. She was a longtime member of the University United Methodist Church. Mrs. MacDonald had worked in the nursery at the church and was active in the outreach and food pantry. She was pre-deceased by her first husband Dr. Donald F. Buschle; a sister Barbara Nelson Thompson; and a brother-in-law Dr. Gabriel Buschle. Mrs. MacDonald is survived by her husband of 51 years, Roger Lee MacDonald; her sons: Thomas N. (Terry) and David L. (Vicki) MacDonald both of Syracuse; daughter Susan M. (Anthony) Parrillo of Statesboro, GA; brother Dr. Robert L. Nelson of California; a sister-in-law Kay Buschle of Central Square; grandchildren: Erin (Daniel) Holdridge, Michael and Collin MacDonald, Anthony, Joseph, Victoria Parrillo; a great grandson Dylan Holdridge; a close friend Betty Runkle and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff of 5 South at Crouse Hospital, the nurses at Medical Registry and Hospice of CNY for their care and support. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11AM in the University United Methodist Church. Calling hours are Monday from 4-7pm at the Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home, 3111 James Street, Syracuse. Private burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the University United Methodist Church Outreach Program, 1085 East Genesee Street, Syracuse 13210, or to a charity of choice.