Mrs. Donelda A. (McNally) Froburg, a longtime resident of Andover and beloved wife of Frank W. Froburg, Jr. passed away at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading on Saturday morning, July 24, 2021. She was 78 years old.
Born in Houlton, Maine on January 22, 1943, she was the cherished daughter of the late Donald W. and Laura (Bell) McNally. Her family moved to Andover when Donelda was eight years old. Although she never forgot her Maine roots, Donelda loved growing up in the Ballardvale section of Andover where she made many lifelong friends and met her husband of fifty-five years, Frank. She was thrilled to be welcomed into his large family who loved her dearly. In the early years, she and her extended family enjoyed vacationing at her parents’ camp on Rattlesnake Island at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Donelda thoroughly enjoyed her roles as Daughter-In-Law, Sister-In-Law, and special Aunt to her many adored nieces and nephews. She thought of her cousins as her siblings. Despite being spread out across several different states, they were always near in her heart and visits with them were some of her happiest times.
A graduate of Andover High School (1961) and Pierce Secretarial School in Boston (1963), Donelda worked at Avco in Wilmington, MA before starting her family with Frank. She dreamed of raising a family and her three children were her pride and joy. After volunteering at their elementary school, she was recommended for and offered a job as a Teacher’s Assistant for the Andover Public School system which she held until she retired. In retirement, Donelda enjoyed caring for her grandchildren, attending their special events, and spending time at her log cabin in Knox, Maine that she and Frank built themselves.
Above all, Donelda loved being with her family and friends. She valued the simple things in life; a “good cup of tea” with her husband, lunch with “the girls” and the proximity of her family which allowed for them to stop in at any time. Her greatest happiness was hosting pool parties, cookouts, holidays, birthday celebrations, “pizza parties” and sleepovers for her grandchildren - where Grandma’s “famous grilled cheese” sandwiches were served along with many special treats. Grandma was a shutterbug, and these occasions were well documented. There are endless fond memories of time spent together at “Grandma’s House” and “The Cabin” where her grandkids developed a strong bond and became known as the “Cabin Cousins.”
A devoted and loving daughter, Donelda frequently reflected on all that her parents taught her, sharing their wisdom with her children and grandchildren, ensuring their legacy will carry forward. Donelda had a kind word for everyone. She listened and gave great advice. She dedicated much of her time to those she loved. Family and friends have described her as warm, welcoming, generous, and caring. If you were a relative or friend of Donelda, you'd be sure to receive regular phone calls, notes or emails. She nurtured many close friendships over the years, which included her very dear friends from ‘across the pond’ in England. She said the right thing, did the right thing and never forgot a birthday or anniversary. She would always pick out the most thoughtful card or gift that touched your heart.
Donelda will be deeply missed by her family and fondly remembered by all who knew her. Along with her husband, Frank, she is survived by her loving children; Lisa A. and her husband John S. Harris of Dracut, her “favorite son” David W. Froburg of Andover and Donna L. and her husband Erik L. Arvidson of Tewksbury and her treasured grandchildren; Matthew, Zachary, Samantha, Trevor, Nathan, Justin, Luke, and her “bonus” Chase.
Graveside service will be celebrated in the Spring Grove Cemetery, 124 Abbot Street, Andover on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Following the graveside service, there will be a collation gathering at the Ballardvale United Church, 23 Clark Road, Andover. Donations in Donelda’s memory may be made to Nashoba Learning Group, 10 Oak Park Drive, Bedford, MA 01730 http://www.nashobalearninggroup.org or The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism to PO Box 2157, Framingham, MA, 01703 https://www.flutiefoundation.org Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com