Mrs. Janet M. McDonald

WATERBURY - It is with profound sadness and shattered hearts that the family of Janet (McCarthy) McDonald, age 85 of Waterbury, shares the news of her peaceful passing in the comfort of her home, on Friday, September 26, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was the devoted wife of the late John J. McDonald, her husband of 56 years.

Mrs. McDonald was born on June 30 ,1940, in Waterbury, the daughter of the late James and Mary (Mulhern) McCarthy. A lifelong Waterbury resident, Janet was educated in local schools and worked for many years at both the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception as well as Our Lady of Lourdes, where she proudly and carefully cared for all of the altar linens and made sure everything was ready for every mass and celebration. An avid and engaged animal lover, she was a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, as well as the St Francis Xavier Ladies Guild, where she was a lifelong parishioner. Extremely proud of her Irish heritage (and she didn’t mind reminding you), Janet’s legacy will live on through the stories she told, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared. Her life was a testament to the power of love, her faith, and her family. May she now find eternal rest and peace beyond measure, and may she never be forgotten.

Left to honor her memory and carry on her strong Irish legacy are her daughters, Sandy McDonald and Kristy McDonald, both of Waterbury and Mary Nieves and her husband, Arthur of Prospect, her sons; John of Monroe and Jimmy McDonald of Waterbury and her five grandchildren; Brendan McDonald, Karisa and Lt. Eric Zamy, United States Army, Donovan and Ryan Nieves. Janet’s family would like to acknowledge and thank the many wonderful people who cared for her during her illness, especially Staywell, Trinity Oncology at Leever, and Daybreak. The love, compassion, and respect they shared with Janet and her family will never be forgotten. We cannot forget to mention how much Janet looked forward to her Thursday evening dinners at the Cave with her wine. Thank you to Lauren and Freddy and all those including her family, that made that happen each and every week.

Funeral services for Mrs. McDonald will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10:00 am, when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church, 625 Baldwin St, Waterbury. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to pay respects, and visit with the McDonald family on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St Waterbury CT 06705.  To honor Mrs McDonald's memory please consider a donation to the Relay for Life, Greater Waterbury at: http;//main.acsevents.org/goto/hugsandymcd.  It only takes a moment to send a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. To send a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com