Rose Veneita MacDonald

In Loving Memory of Rose Veneita MacDonald 1924 – 2025

Rose Veneita MacDonald was born in 1924 in Leamington, Westmoreland, Jamaica, West Indies, to Wilford and Ellen Shakes. In 1950, she married John Sterling Bell MacDonald, and together they built a life centered on love, family, and faith. They were blessed with three children.

In early 1968, Rose and her family migrated to the United States, settling in the Bronx, New York. There, she worked as an Administrative Assistant with Xerox Corporation’s publishing subsidiary, R.R. Bowker, where she was known for her professionalism and dedication. Upon her retirement in 1980, Rose moved to Orlando, Florida, to join her husband John and other family members who had relocated earlier. After relocating, she continued her career with the State of Florida Health Department in Orlando, where she worked for seven years.

A woman of grace, intellect, and quiet strength, Rose was an avid reader with a particular fondness for crime mysteries and word puzzles. She also enjoyed playing computer solitaire and taking road trips to visit her children and grandchildren across the country. Always the first to be packed and ready, Rose embraced these moments with enthusiasm and joy.

Deeply devoted to her family, Rose ensured that her children understood and cherished their roots, especially the bonds with their extended family during their years in Jamaica.

Rose took immense pride in her family’s accomplishments and was a strong advocate for the pursuit of higher education. Her legacy of care, compassion, and quiet strength will live on in those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, John, in 2007.

Rose is survived by her three children: Sonia Newsholme, Rowan MacDonald, and Patrice Wiggan; seven grandchildren: Dwayne Newsholme, Alicia Ramsay, Craig Newsholme, Brandon Wiggan, Ashton Wiggan, Kathryn Wiggan, and Kaylyn Wiggan; and seven great-grandchildren: Cameron Ramsay, Christina Newsholme, Jahlissa Newsholme, Saedree Newsholme, Cayson Ramsay, Ayden Wiggan, and Ziah Newsholme.

Rose died at home peacefully on April 24th, 2025. She will be forever remembered for her warmth, dignity, and unwavering love for her family.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Funeral Services will be held at Newcomer Funeral Chapel on May 17, 2025, at 10 AM,  3806 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, Florida  32792 (407) 678-4500

Interment in the Family Plot will be held at Greenwood Cemetery 1603 Greenwood St, Orlando, FL 32801

Repast will be held at Econlockhatchee Renaissance Senior Community Center 3800 S Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando, FL 32829