Elizabeth Jane (Vollmer) McDonald died February 5, 2026 at the age of 100.
A Celebration of Her Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Sons of Italy, 31 Prospect Ave., Geneva, N.Y. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the comfort care home, House of John, 14 Spring St., Clifton Springs, N.Y. 14432.
Betty was born, the youngest of 5 siblings, on December 31, 1925, the daughter of Albert and Amelia Vollmer of Rochester. She graduated from the Highland Hospital School of Nursing in 1948. The next year, she married attorney William J. McDonald beginning a marriage of 54 years until his death in 2004. She soon left registered nursing to begin a nursery of her own: raising six sons in Geneva.
Born a century ago on New Year's Eve, Betty had been celebrating life ever since. She found joy in friends (book, euchre, and bridge clubs), entertaining, travel, golf, and tennis. She never tired of asking: "Who has more fun than people?" Betty took particular delight in her family. She savored (almost) every moment with her spouse, sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her gratitude for a large, supportive family was richly reciprocated by all.
Betty is survived by her sons, William (Sandra) McDonald of Geneva, Kevin (Susan) McDonald of Geneva, Brian McDonald of the Philippines, Mark (Sarah DuVall) of Geneva, and Paul (Julie) McDonald of Geneva; daughter-in-law, Susan McDonald of Farmington and a host of loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, William J. McDonald; son, Timothy McDonald; daughter, Mary McDonald; brother, Frederick Vollmer; and sisters, Dorothy Bahringer, Florence Johnson, and Mildred Layman.
The family is deeply grateful to the many nurses, health aides and volunteers who provided unparalleled care and support both at home and at the House of John. Their professionalism, kindness and respect provided a peaceful final journey. Thanks also to the Finger Lakes Nursing Honor Guard for the beautiful bedside ceremony celebrating Betty as a member of the nursing community.
