Gilda M. (Matrone) MacDonald's Obituary
Gilda M. (Matrone) MacDonald began her heavenly journey after a short illness. She
passed with loved ones by her side in a hospice care facility in Wilmington, NC on
June 21, 2022. Gilda is predeceased by her parents Antonio and Francesca Matrone,
husband Daniel, son David, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters. Surviving are her 5 children
whom she loved dearly and unconditionally: James (Vicki), John, Mary Jackson
(Carlton), Carol Hunter (Jesse), Donna Mercier (John), grandchildren Melissa Daulton
(Tyler), Rebecca, Christina, and Jay Hunter, sister Yolanda Skinner, several nieces,
nephews, great & great-great nieces & nephews.
Gilda was a communicant of St. Daniel's Church in Lyncourt and an avid volunteer
for numerous organizations, most notably Francis House where she partnered for 20
years with her dear friend Maxine and clowning with Joygerm Limited, a ministry
started by her long-time friend Joan, all of which brought her much "joy" as did her
family and friends. Gilda said, "I loved my family, friends, St. Daniel's Parish, Pope
John Paul II, and most of my jobs"...of which there were many! She considered
herself to be a "jack of all trades" even though she was known by many as Jill during
her years working at American Airlines.
Gilda enjoyed writing poetry, letters to the editor, listening to anyone who needed an
ear, visiting nursing homes, and babysitting (especially her 4 grandchildren). Gilda
volunteered at her parish churches, St. Mary's in Minoa and lastly, St. Daniel's in
Lyncourt where she taught religious instruction, was President and Co-President for
their Mary and Martha Society, and enjoyed being a member of the Wisdom People
group led by a long-time friend Johnny. Gilda was also involved in her sons' Boy
Scouting as a Den mother as well as Mother of Twins, Lyncourt Little League, and
CBA Mothers’ clubs. She also worked with the disabled at IACC and visited prisoners
through a Jail Ministry program at Jamesville Penitentiary. Her volunteerism was
from "head to toe" with St. Baldrick's where she twice raised money by shaving her
head and then literally "flipped her wig", which was a part of her wardrobe for some
time after.
Gilda brought her friends at Camillus Pointe Senior Living together by initiating a
weekly Rosary and Day of Remembrance there until she moved to Wilmington, NC,
where she enjoyed being out of the snow and watching the birds feed out her window.
Gilda was blessed by many things in her lifetime, one of which was a surprise
birthday party in Syracuse for her 90th!! Gilda was able to see over 100 friends and
relatives on that trip, and it warms our hearts to know she had that opportunity. Gilda
was a friend indeed to all in need and she will be forever missed and always loved.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Gilda's life at 10:00 am in St. Daniel's Church, 3004 Court St., Syracuse. To attend the mass remotely, please visit St. Daniel's Church Facebook page. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday, July 1, 2022, at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gilda's memory may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave. Syracuse, NY 13208, or St. Daniel's Church 3004 Court St. Syracuse, NY 13208.
What’s your fondest memory of Gilda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gilda?
Share a story where Gilda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gilda you’ll never forget.
How did Gilda make you smile?
