Gertrude (Doane) MacDonald McAlice

Gertrude (Doane) MacDonald McAlice, age 90, passed away peacefully in her Walpole, Massachusetts home on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on June 5, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Ellie (Meears) Doane.  She was a proud lifelong resident of Walpole, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1951.

Gert married her husband, James “Jerry” MacDonald, on April 11, 1953, in her home parish of Blessed Sacrament.  Together, the young couple made their home in Walpole and Gert took on the role of homemaker, raising and caring for her family of six children.  As her children grew, Gert began her career at the Fisher School in Walpole, working as a teacher’s aide.  While working in the school, she also served as a registry runner for both Herb Lewis and Winslow Warren Insurance Agencies.

As a widow, a dear family friend introduced Gert to a man by the name of Leo McAlice. They began a courtship which led to their marriage on December 31, 1981, at Blessed Sacrament Church.  As a faithful communicant of Blessed Sacrament, Gert spent many Sundays with Leo singing in the choir and they regularly sang with the funeral choir. She and Leo maintained their home in Walpole for many years until recently settling at New Pond Village, where they happily celebrated their 40^th wedding anniversary.

While home was in Walpole, Gert and Leo loved traveling the world, following the America’s Cup races throughout the U.S., New Zealand and Australia.  The races were fun to watch, but it was really the thought of being on the beach that appealed to Gert. Growing up, Gert spent her summers on Rose Point in Wareham where she swam daily. Sunny days or not, she always enjoyed spending time on beaches across Cape Cod swimming or just enjoying the sound of the waves. Back in Walpole, Gert enjoyed spending time with her friends on various golf courses, including Stone-E-Lea and Royal Crest.  In addition, as an avid supporter of veterans, Gert gave back by performing with the Ladies VFW Auxiliary Color Guard of Post 5188 of Walpole.  Most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many great summer hours were spent visiting on her patio “Paradise”.

Beloved wife of Leo F McAlice Jr, and the late James “Jerry” MacDonald.

Loving mother of Judith Holubesko and her husband, Steven, of Plainville; Steven MacDonald and his wife, Denise, of Foxboro; Thomas MacDonald and his wife, Susan Mosher, of Wellesley; Elizabeth Kelly and her late husband, Richard, of Marshfield; the late Peter MacDonald and his late wife, Kara, of Upton; and Richard MacDonald and his wife, Samantha, of Camano Island, Washington.

Gigi was the cherished grandmother of Scott, Michael, and Matthew; Tracy, Carrie, Joseph, and the late Megan; Samuel; Richard, Arbrenne; Maggie, Kate; Benjamin, Maya, and Ellie; great-grandmother to 16 with three more expected soon.

Gert is also survived by Leo’s children, Robert McAlice and his wife, Sara, of Bennett, Colorado; John McAlice of Rehoboth, Jill McAlice and her husband, John Graber, of Grand Mesa, Colorado, and David McAlice and his wife, Deborah, of North Attleboro, cherished Gigi to grandchildren Brenda, Leah; Amy, Andrea, Alexandra; Carra and Missy, and 8 great-grandchildren. 

Gert was the sister of the late Marjorie Famiglietti, Irene Famiglietti, Lawrence Doane, Elizabeth Eklund, and Francis Doane. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Gert’s Life Celebration on Sunday, October 16, 2022, from 3 to 6 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. 

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Monday, October 17, 2022, at 9:30 AM, prior to Gert’s Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gert’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02542.