Obituary

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we honor the life and legacy of Laura McDonald Easton, a devoted wife, nurturing mother, treasured grandmother, and faithful woman of God.

Laura transitioned peacefully on April 6, 2025. Laura was always surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her 90 years.

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, on June 5, 1934, to Stella Mann Degroat McDonald and Charles McDonald, Laura remained a pillar of her hometown community for her entire life.

She attended Grammar School 6 and furthered her education at Passaic County Community College, where she pursued her passion for academic writing and poetry. Her words were tender reflections of a heart full of compassion, wisdom, and grace.

Laura dedicated many years of service as a Dietary Aide at St. Joseph's Hospital, caring for others with the same warmth and attentiveness that defined every part of her life. She was an active and cherished member of the Paterson YMCA and proudly embraced her heritage as a member of the Ramapough Lenape Indian Tribe.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Laura was a member of The Mayans Nation, always keeping church in her heart. Her spiritual strength and unwavering belief in love and unity radiated in all she did.

For 70 beautiful years, Laura shared her life with her beloved husband, Arnold Easton.

Together, they raised nine children and welcomed a special son/nephew into their home with open arms. Laura's home was a sanctuary — a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Charles and Stella Mc Donald; brothers, Charles, Richard, and Thomas McDonald; sisters, Nancy Young and Maizie Kendricks; sons, Robert Easton and Ronald Taylor; and daughter, Bernadette Kirkland Easton.

Laura leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in her husband, Arnold Easton; children, Brenda, Arnold Jr., Denise, Kenneth, Malinda, Scott, and Jean Easton; siblings, Gussie Turner, Virgina and Mary Mc Donald, Kenneth, and Abubaker; 23 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Diane Easton, Brenda Martin Easton and Sharon Easton; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, beloved family, and dear friends.

Her spirit lives on through every life she touched. She will be remembered as a gentle soul, a

source of unwavering love, and a guiding light to all who knew her.

"Her spirit was like the wind— gentle, strong, and always moving forward."