Mrs. Helen (Yarris) MacDonald, of Wyalusing, PA, passed away peacefully on early Monday morning, February 16, 2026, at the wonderful age 101, at the Highlands Health Care Center, Laporte, PA.

Helen was born on August 7, 1924, in the Meadows in Philadelphia, PA, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary Luzeski Yaraschuck. Helen attended school in Philadelphia. After high school she married the love of her life, Thomas Milton MacDonald Sr. The day after they were married, Tom was drafted into the United States Army for service in WWII, in the 10th Mountain Division. He would train in Colorado, and then be stationed at various places throughout Europe, including Italy. After Tom’s honorable discharge, he returned to Philadelphia, where he and Helen settled down and raised their 5 children. In 1983, Helen and Tom retired and moved to Homet’s Ferry, Bradford County, PA.

Helen enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, and cooking for her family and friends. She always looked forward to making pies for the Wyalusing Carnival every year. She was a loving wife, mom, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. Her love will never be forgotten, and her memories will always be in the hearts of all who knew her.

Surviving:

Two sons and daughters-in-laws:

James "Chip" and Deborah MacDonald, Wyalusing, PA

Thomas and Maria MacDonald, Homet’s Ferry, PA

Daughter:

Helen “Bunny” MacDonald, Wyalusing, PA

Grandchildren:

Matthew and Carole, James, Aimee, Denise Marie, Donna, Tony, Joseph, and Melissa 

Great-Grandchildren:

Matthew Jr., Michael, Natalie, Joshua, Jonathan, Jocelyn, Dominick, Ronnie, Heather, and Patti

Great-Great-Grandsons:

Lewis, Sebastian, and Carson 

Sister-in-Law

Barbara Yarris

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Chick and growing up with her and Uncle Tom, and their cousins on the river in Homet’s Ferry. They enjoyed summers filled with barbeques, fishing, great food, and wonderful memories. Special mention of Sandra Mongelli, who was like a daughter to Helen, rather than just a niece.

Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, John Norman “Redwing” MacDonald on September 1, 2004, and her daughter, Diane M. “Belle” Wizelman on August 11, 2020. She was also predeceased by a granddaughter Patti and a grandson Anthony, also her sister Ann Yarris, and brothers John Yarris, Nicholas Yarris II,Michael Yarris. Al and Harry Pollock

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, Wyalusing, PA, with Rev. William White, officiating.

Friends and family may call at the church one hour prior to the start of the service.

The family would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to the staff and nurses at the Highlands Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 83 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing, PA

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com