We express our deepest regrets that Ms. June MacDonald passed away earlier this year. May her kindness and many years of service be an inspiration to all.

Prior to celebrating her 100th birthday last summer, when more than 50 cars drove by to wave and offer birthday wishes, a call to service guided June MacDonald throughout her lifetime. Raised in Ohio near Lake Erie, June met her husband John while she was obtaining her degree in education at Kent State University. John became a minister and the couple embarked on a commitment to serving others.

Her 40-plus years of teaching elementary school began in Ohio in 1940, when many of her students’ parents were away due to the war. Several of these students continued to keep in contact with her over the years. In 1957, John’s career brought them to Miami, where June taught for 26 years. A dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, June loved to travel around the world, and was happy to include her family in her travels. 

The couple moved to Tallahassee in 1990 to be near their daughter’s family. Throughout the years she called Tallahassee home, June played an extremely active role in volunteerism. Incredibly, she continued to volunteer even at age 99. At her church, she served as a coordinator of adult programs and luncheons for 12 years and also read stories to children in the Pumpkin Patch. On the Volunteer Staff of the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for over 30 years, she was recognized for over 7,000 hours of service. As a docent in the Florida Governor’s Mansion, she not only gave tours to the public, she also provided spiritual support to the First Ladies. An active member of the Killearn Ladies Club, June presented meditations at the meetings. Serving the Tallahassee Music Guild for many years, she received the Corinne H. Gridley Achievement Award in recognition of outstanding service to music in the community. Her family recalls her advice, “Hold on to those you love.” This well-dressed lady made a lasting impression on the many lives she touched in our community, who will have cherished memories to hold on to.