Passed peacefully away at Glenbrook Lodge on February 18th, 2013, Hannah McDonald, aged 91 years. Predeceased by her loving husband Gerry and their beloved child, Joanie; her parents Anne and John Clarke; sister Margaret; brothers James, Jack and William. Left with fond and loving memories are her devoted daughter Agatha, granddaughters Corina and Lori, great-granddaughters Lauren, Sophia and Maci, great-grandson Finn, sons-in-law Neil and Matt, and a large circle of relatives and friends, especially her friend Patsy Grace and her roommate Lorraine Haye. Hannah was born March 3rd, 1921 in St. John’s and attended both St. Patrick’s Convent and Presentation Convent schools. She began her working days at W.J. Murphy’s store on Water Street West before marrying Gerry in 1945. Her first child Joanie was born in 1947, a milestone which was to change her life. Joan was born mentally handicapped, “retarded” as known in those days. Hannah worked tirelessly to have Joanie maximize her potential. Being a woman ahead of her time she worked diligently in an attempt to educate people in accepting children who were “different”. In her capacity as President of the PTA of the Vera Perlin School for Retarded Children, Hannah wrote numerous letters to the editor of the local paper and gave many radio interviews for her cause. The family moved to Mount Carmel in 1960 where Hannah became an active member of the community, especially with her craft club. She was talented at sewing, knitting and crocheting and taught many hands to do the same. Her home was often filled with the sound of laughter during a good game of growl followed by the inevitable cup of tea with her homemade breads and sweets. Declining health brought her to Glenbrook Lodge in 2010 where she was treated with grace and dignity until the end. Resting at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 from 7 - 9 p.m. and on Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 2 - 9 p.m. Funeral will take place on Friday, February 22, 2013 with 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Cremation to follow. Inurnment at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Dunphy’s Funeral Home, Holyrood. Please visit www.dunphys.ca to sign the memorial guest book or to send a message of condolence.