Priscilla E. (Bearse) McDonald, 86, of Salem, wife of the late John L. "Jay" McDonald, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday October 12, 2021.  Born on October 13, 1934 to the late Murray and Alice (O'Brien) Bearse.  She was raised in Beverly and attended St. Mary's Star of the Sea School.  She received her bachelor's degree in Education from Salem State College.

Priscilla taught in the Salem School system for over 30 years.  She began her teaching career in Danvers at Great Oak Elementary and ended her career at the Collins Middle School in Salem as a math and science teacher.  She was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church of Salem.  She was a longtime member of the Osgood Park Association where she spent the summers enjoying the beach.  She enjoyed many events at Osgood Park over the 56 years the family lived in the neighborhood. Priscilla and her husband Jay traveled in their retirement, including trips to Ireland, Italy, Greece, Alaska and Aruba.   An avid walker in the healthy years, she could be seen on her daily walks through Marblehead.  Priscilla enjoyed reading, knitting, crossword puzzles and Jeopardy.  She possessed a sharp mind her entire life.

She is survived by her children, David McDonald and his wife Dorothy (Millen) of Salem, Ellen Jennings and her husband John of Danvers and Laurie Curtin and her husband Matthew of Beverly; six grandchildren John, Katharine and Williams Jennings, Emma, Meghan and Annie Curtin.  She was predeceased by her son Robert McDonald, her brother John Bearse and sister Ann Conlon, her father and mother in-law John L. and Anne McDonald of Salem.

Priscilla's visiting hours will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem on Friday October 15, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Her Funeral Mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, 15 Hawthorne Blvd, Salem on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.  Burial in St. Mary Cemetery Salem.  Relatives and friends are respectfully requested to attend.  According to the City of Salem regulations, masks must be worn in all buildings. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns 15 Mt Carmel Rd, Danvers, MA 01923. For additional information or on-line guest book please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com .