Eleanor Mildred MacDonald

Kindly Businesswoman Founded Geppetto’s Distinguished Toys

Eleanor “Ellie” MacDonald, 79, most recently from North Fort Myers, Fla., and longtime resident of Newtown, died unexpectedly, March 4, while in Denver, Colo. Her husband of 60 years, Elmer “Mac,” and son Dennis MacDonald and daughter Sharon Carlson, both of Bridgewater, were at her side. Mrs MacDonald was born in Plainfield, N.J., January 7, 1932, the daughter of Lillian and Jacob Alberti.

In addition to her husband, son, and daughter, she is survived by her six grandchildren; her great-grandson; a daughter-in-law Kristin MacDonald; and son-in-law Richard Carlson. Her sister Lillian Fulp and brother Henry Alberti predeceased her.

Mrs MacDonald earned her license practical nurse accreditation at Henry Abbott Technical School in 1971. She spent a number of years giving loving private care to elderly individuals in Redding, Brookfield, and New Milford, in addition to patients in physician’s practices located in Danbury and Roxbury.

She and her daughter shared the dream of opening a specialty toy store. Geppetto’s Distinguished Toys in Woodbury opened its doors in 1987, and quickly became a favorite destination for families and children from all the surrounding towns. Mother and daughter remained a successful team for 20 years. Mrs MacDonald will be fondly remembered by customers and staff for the joy of life she shared with everyone at Geppetto’s. The success of this venture became well-known beyond the patrons of Geppetto’s. In 2000, she was recognized for her winning combination of business sense and kindness in the Historical Encyclopedia of American Women Entrepreneurs.

She had a love for sewing, genealogy, travel, and creatively preparing home-cooked meals for her family. Many of her good friends will recall her enjoyment of dancing with Mac and never being too old for the Jitterbug. Mrs MacDonald’s passion for fashion was a trademark, no matter what the occasion.

A memorial service will take place Saturday, March 12, at the Newtown Meeting House on Main Street, located at the flagpole, beginning at 3 pm. A reception will immediately follow at the Newtown Country Club on Country Club Lane in Newtown. All are invited to join the family in celebrating her life.

Donations in Eleanor MacDonald’s memory may be made to the Memorial Fund at the Bridgewater Congregational Church, Main Street, Bridgewater CT 06752.

The Newtown Bee        March 11, 2011