Eileen Mary MacDonald

Eileen Mary MacDonald (née O’Connor):

Passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Wairau Hospital.

Aged 88 years.

Dearly loved wife of the late Taane for 68 years.

Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Garry and Lesley, Dianne and Tom, the late Geoffrey, and Donna, Johnnie and Marie, Deb and Johnny.

Adored grandmother and great grandmother.

Special thanks to the caring staff of Wairau Hospital.

Messages may be sent to the MacDonald family at 32 Monro Street, Blenheim 7201.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre via their website would be appreciated. Ref. MacDONALD

A celebration of Eileen’s life will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Maxwell Road, Blenheim at 1.00pm on Thursday, September 3, followed by interment at the Omaka Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and the link can be found below this notice.

Tribute from Jolene Gregson – 
Dearest Gran,
It was an honour and a privilege to be your granddaughter. Thank you for all you brought into our lives. The love, the laughs, the best summer holidays with you and Grandy and the cuzzys in Blenheim, your spot on advice, the singalongs on your piano, your warm hugs and all our cherished chats in Newbourne Crescent over the years.
I’m so sorry to not be with you today, but I know you are now back with your beloved Grandy and the other angels. Love you so much, now and forever.
From Jolene, Oscar and James.

Tribute from John Watson – 
So sad to read of Eileen’s passing. Her and Tane were great Redwood Rugby Club supporters and we spent many happy occasions with them there and the last time we saw her was at a Redwood reunion.
To all her family we extend our sincere condolences – we will remember her fondly
Carole & John Watson

Tribute from Chris, Barb and girls O’Connor – 
RIP Aunty Eileen
Never forget our sing alongs with you rattling the ivories
Love forever

Tribute from Paul O’Connor – 
RIP Aunty Eileen , a truly good human ! Always there with a smile , joke and a song .
Always loved coming to see “ the McDonalds “
Rest well PJ

Tribute from The Hegglun family Cooke – 
We were sad to hear of Eileen’s passing and have fond memories of St Mary’s concerts in St Pat’s hall where Eileen played the piano and also the Redwood Rugby Club days where Eileen and Taane were regular supporters. Our thoughts and love are with all the family.
The Hegglun family

Tribute from Barbara Lampe –
This is just to let you all know that caring thoughts are with you now and always.
Kindest regards Barbara Lampe and Family

Tribute from Bridget O’Connor –
So sorry to hear of Aunty Eileen’s passing. Condolences to all the family. The last one of her siblings to pass. No doubt all her brothers and sisters will be waiting to greet their little sister with open arms. What amazing memories I have of you Aunty Eileen. Always a story, always a song! Thanks for being you. What a privilege to have had you as my Aunty!
…”May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.” RIP
Bridget

Tribute from Kathleen O’Neill – 
Aunty Eileen, The end of an era. You were the best.
You have gone but you will never be forgotten. I will never hear Black and White Rag with a dry eye again!
Love to all the family and friends. Rest in Peace. Together again with Taane and all your siblings
When we get to the pearly gates. Put you hand up and say ” over here”
Kath O’Neill

Tribute from Kaye Clarke – 
My sincere condolences to you all. Eileen was a good friend and colleague
We shared many happy hours together over our time together at Lakewood and Waterlea and in Alabama Rd and on a trip to Stewart Island. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Unfortunately I can’t be with you at Eileen’s service to celebrate her life but will be with you via the live stream, as you say goodbye to a special lady.
Kaye and Rob Clarke

Tribute from Bernadette Martin –
Oh Aunty everyone’s life will never be the same without your joy. I have so many special memories of you.
Rest Easy in the loving arms of Jesus

Tribute from Mary-Claire Anderson –
RIP to you Aunty Eileen-we all loved you and the fun you always brought to our family gatherings… such a talented fun loving woman . We always loved our sing-alongs when you were at the “ keys”
Love always Mary-Claire Andy Chrystal LJ and families xxx

Tribute from Anne Cudby (O’Connor) 
I have such fond memories of staying with Aunty Eileen and Uncle Tane in the family home. Food enough to feed a marae, family anecdotes, memories, jokes, and always evenings singing all the old favs’, of course, with Aunty Eileen tinkling those ivories, and so adept, she could make them sing too!
One of Aunty Eileen’s very defining traits was how she could embody a thought so earnestly to leave you feeling like you don’t know what to think – is she serious, or not?, and then give you that cheeky little grin with the last laugh to make you realize that she was actually, having you on! Perhaps, this was part of her survival mode with being ‘the baby’ in such a big family and why her siblings loved and adored her so much.
May Uncle Tane, Gran and Granddad and all of your beloved siblings be there to greet you at heaven’s door and, have a beer already, cracked open for you.
RIP Aunty Eileen, we will all miss you, but be assured your legacy will live on, until we reunite again Take all our love with you, to your great Tane Mahuta.
With my greatest sympathy to each and everyone in the MacDonald clan. May your fond memories be your strength at this very sad time.
With love and prayers,
Anne Cudby (O’Connor)

Tribute from Julie Forbes  –
Fierce, filled with welcoming laughter and a mighty lady. Diane’s eulogy captured you perfectly. (Smithy would have been very impressed…)
Thank you Eileen for holding such a significant place in my life. I think of you whenever I play the piano – you taught me how it should be played.
You were a gift to us all.
Love to the whanau from Julie in Melbourne.

Tribute from Margaret Murdoch –
To Eileens family, please accept my deepest sympathy. Many a happy hour spent with Eileen and Taane at their home and recently Eileen and I also had great catch ups. Thinking of you all during these difficult days.