MARJORIE MCDONALD's Obituary
MARJORIE MCDONALD, age 98, passed away January 12, 2014 in Sebastian, Florida. Marge was the first woman elected Mayor of North Miami Beach (1981 - 1987), Florida, and she still considered North Miami Beach her home.
Mayor Marge McDonald was the wife of former Mayor William M. (Bill) McDonald, and was a resident of North Miami Beach for 25 years.
She served faithfully on the North Miami Beach Council for approximately fourteen years (with three mayors - Mayor James E. Reardon - Walter S. Pesetsky and Mayor Arthur I. Snyder).
She was the administrator of Robert Sharp Towers, named most outstanding Housing Administrator in U.S.A. by N.C.S.C..
She was a member of Dade County Police Benevolent Association , a member of Community Advisory Board of Southeastern Medical Center, a member and past vice president of Voters Council of N.M.B.-promoted Heritage Day, a member of the League of Women Voters, and a member of Knights of Pythian Sisters.
Marge was the recipient of the Greynolds Park School Pioneer Award, and a life member - City of Hope - (Recipient of the Humanitarian Award) (Robyn Turbin and Teddy Grant Chapters), and the recipient of Freedom Festival Award - Ongoing support of Jewish Community.
She was a member of N.M.B. Chamber of Commerce & North Dade Chamber of Commerce, a member of Women in Government - Democratic Club - New Club, she promoted N.M.B. Crime watch Program and encouraged Neighborhood Pol. Patrol, a member of Concerned Democrats - New York and New England Club & Garden Club, she was past President of N.M.B. Woman's Club - Executive board for 12 years, and was a member and past Vice President of American Federation of Senior Citizens.
Marjorie was on the Executive Board of N.M.B. Property Owners Association - 12 years- (Recipient of the Schlesinger Award for Good Government) President - Auxiliary two years - Executive Board - 12 years.
She was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and attended Westfield Teachers College. Her son is Richard McDonald, an electronics engineer and former Naval officer, her daughter Dr. Mary Ann Lawrence taught in Dade County.
Marge's political record included;
Kept all campaign pledges - Held the tax line in N.M.B. without cutting services, She fought for good clean water, voted for Low Density Ordinance and planned progress to reduce pollution and congestion. She sponsored the Strong Disclosure Law and Anti-Litter and Unsightly Truck Ordinances.
Marge initiated our own city Nursery- beautification and horticulturist to beautify all areas of the city - new plant nursery on 159th Street & 15th Avenue with our on-going beautification program. N.M.B. was known as one of the most beautiful cities in Dade County.
Through negotiations and cooperation with Metro and Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Authority, she helped to settle and save over $700,000 per year.
She projected safe bikeways on S. Glades Dr. -15th Ave. and 19th Ave.- 5 mile bikeway along Snake Creek Canal - without cost to the city.
She promoted Challenger Park, and our 1st day care center - Deleonardis Youth Center at Allen Park.
Marge was responsible for fourth of July jubilee (a yearly event), and was responsible for the 1st flag of N.M.B.
She strongly endorsed Crime Watch Program -N.M.B. peoples justice court - Police neighborhood program cut down crime 50% in problem areas.
By contracting out lawn maintenance services and children's day care - saved over $150,000 - greatly improved services.
For the 1st time in over 25 years a street paving and drainage program was initiated without any additional cost to the taxpayers.
Through Marjorie's efforts, Metro Chief Donaldson and County Commissioner Barry Schreiber settled the Fire-Rescue Service once and for all with N.M.B.. They had a contract with the Eastern Shores Unit with a savings of $350,000 a year. N.M.B. was well covered with 3 stations inside N.M.B. and 3 stations located just outside the city.
The Recreation, Cultural, Senior Citizen and Youth Programs were the best in the county and enjoyed by citizens of all ages.
What’s your fondest memory of MARJORIE?
What’s a lesson you learned from MARJORIE?
Share a story where MARJORIE's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with MARJORIE you’ll never forget.
How did MARJORIE make you smile?
