Harriett G. McDonald, 92, of Monaca, passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2026 at Rochester Manor where she has resided for the past year.
She was born in Aliquippa, a daughter of the late Samuel and Esther (Stickle) Stillwagon. She was the last of a lively household of eleven children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J. Patrick McDonald on September 18, 2019 and her siblings: James, Robert, Richard, LeRoy, Samuel Jr. Stillwagon, Dorothy Phillips, Geraldine Grim, Etta Engle, Anna Stillwagon, and Betty Stillwagon. Her legacy continues through her family, including her son, Michael (Deborah) McDonald, her daughter, Kathleen Spencer, her adoring six grandchildren, and her cherished eleven great-grandchildren, as well as her two treasured great-great-grandchildren.
Harriett’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family. Her son, daughter, grandchildren: Justin, Jason (Pam), Jonathan (Nicole), and Joel (Kylee) McDonald, Johnny Spencer, and Nicole (Jakob) Brannen, along with her eleven great-grandchildren: Paige (Marcus), Brooklyn, Shaelyn, Garen, Max, Emrys, Grace, Anne, Maggie, Michael, and Stella; as well as her two great-great-grandchildren, Quintin and Alanni, will remember her as a constant source of love, support, and encouragement. She celebrated their achievements with immense pride and was their most enthusiastic supporter in all their endeavors.
Harriett’s professional life included time spent as a waitress at the Hollywood Gardens and Conway Corners. She was a person known for her hard work and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She was a former member and president of the Monaca Football Mothers, supporting both midget and high school teams. Her enthusiasm for the game was only surpassed by her dedication to her family, especially her husband and grandchildren, whom she supported wholeheartedly from the sidelines. She was a lifelong member of both the Monaca American Legion Post 580 Auxiliary and the Bunker Hill Community Church, Harriett’s commitment to service was evident. She took great pride in her church, which her father helped to build. She also devoted over two decades of her life serving as the Monaca judge of elections. She was also known for her love of bowling, participating in women’s bowling leagues at Monaca, Sheffield, and Center Lanes on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
As we bid farewell to Harriett, we celebrate a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.
Friends will be received on Monday, January 19th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Tuesday, Jan 20th at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ross Fichter officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Aliquippa.