OBITUARY

Arlene Pamela McDonald, affectionately called “AP” by her kids was born in Kingston Jamaica on May 23, 1960 as the fourth of six children to Carmen Spence and the late Cordel Spence. While growing up in Jamaica Arlene met the love of her life, the late Joseph McDonald. These two had an everlasting spark and eventually got married in Ottawa Canada in 1982 before migrating to the United States to pursue their dreams for a better life. From this union Arlene produced two beautiful children, Tina and Theodore.

Arlene received her early years of education in Kingston Jamaica and after migrating to the United States of America in 1983 she continued her studies in Business where she majored in accounting.

In 1995 Arlene landed herself a job at Apple Bank where she held different roles beginning as a Sorter Operator in the Data Processing department. Through the years Arlene continued to grow with the company, eventually becoming the Data Processing Manager; taking great pride in her career and the relationships she built with her Apple Bank family.

As part of Arlene’s spiritual affiliation, she was baptised at an early age in Jamaica and her love for God continued when she migrated to the United States. During her journey Arlene visited several churches and eventually settled in ‘The Friendly Church.’ As her relationship with God continued to grow, she was impressed to move to the Seventh Day Church of God continued when she migrated to the United States. During her journey Arlene visited several churches and eventually settled in ‘The Friendly Church.’ As her relationship with God continued to grow, she was impressed to move to the Seventh Day Church of God (Reformed) not of her own will but through Divine intervention. She made herself useful in her church in whatever capacity she was called upon.

As Arlene matured and learned more about herself; she discovered her hidden talent for drawing which she would use to decorate ludo boards and give them as gifts to her friends and family. She also loved taking pictures and videos with her famous camera, getting them developed and giving them away as gifts. In addition Arlene loved the elderly and was passionate in the lending a helping hand.

With a heart full of love for God, family and life Arlene was called home on June 29, 2021 at the age of 61 where she will join her late father Cordel Spence, husband Joseph McDonald and siblings Earl Salmon and Marlyn Levy Grant. Arlene touched so many lives with her welcoming spirit and witty personality openly transferring her love to not only those she knew personally but those who were extensions of her loved ones. She was a beacon of strength and hope for those who knew her and she will be missed dearly by her daughter Tina McDonald, son Theodore McDonald and his spouse Kimberly; grandchildren Taylor and Kemuel, mother Carmen Spence, siblings Marcia, Margaret and Mark and a host of nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and friends.

“In life, we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill”

Arlene “mom” affectionately “AP” has left us with memories that will always be in our hearts.

“I MADE IT HOME”

I just wanted to let you know that I made it home.

Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh, so new. I wish that you could close your eyes so you could see it too.

Please try not be sad for me. Try to understand. God is taking care of me…I’m in the shelter of His hands.

Here there is no sadness, and no sorrow, and no pain. Here there is no crying, and I’ll never hurt again.

Here it is so peaceful, when all the angels sing. I really have to go for now…I’ve just got to try my wings.

PS…I’ll be the first face you see when you get here!