LAKE GEORGE --- Grace Fish MacDonald 95, a life-long resident of Lake George, New York, went into the loving arms of Jesus April 3, 2016 at the Stanton Rehabilitation Center with her loving family by her side.

Grace was born July 24, 1920 in Thompson, New York, the eldest daughter of Harry Emerson Fish and Leda Stacy Fish. She attended Lake George Union School, graduating in the class of 1937. She was very active in sports, especially basketball. After high school, she attended Albany Business College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Executive Secretarial Skills. Her spirit of community led her to participate in many organizations. She served from 1943 until 1946 in the U.S. Marine Corps Women's Reserve attaining the rank of Staff Sargent. She served in both Hawaii and Washington, D.C., before being honorably discharged.

Grace married her childhood sweetheart, Howard W. MacDonald in 1946. Together with her husband, Grace pursued many enterprises including operation of a commercial ski tow on Prospect Mountain and a hamburger shop, the Sailboat Inn. Together they raise an orphaned mountain lion that was known around the village. After the war, Grace played professional basketball for several seasons with various Albany area teams. He was an avid bowler.

Grace was employed for more than 25 years as an Account Clerk by the Warren County Treasurer's Office and at various second jobs and self-owned businesses. After retirement, she provided childcare for her grandsons, participating in their lives and attending thousands of school and sporting events. In later years she worked for more than 10 years as a full-time volunteer operating the Lake George Historical Association Museum and as President of the Association.

Grace served for more than 70 years on the Vestry of St. James Episcopal Church, as a member of the Lake George Village Fire Auxiliary and the Lake George American Legion Post #374. She was a Member and Officer of the Eastern Star. She also served for many years on the Girl Scout Council of Lake George, as a Cub Scout Leader, Little League organizer and as a Warren County elections observer.

Grace was an ardent Yankees fan. Hospitality could always be found at her house and there was always room at the table for the "drop-ins" no matter the hour or day.

After the death of her husband, Grace reunited with Harry Kramer, a classmate and Pearl Harbor survivor. Together they travelled extensively including attending service reunions and Pearl Harbor commemorative events. They wintered in Florida where she formed many lasting friendships.

Grace was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Mr. Kramer and siblings: sister, Reta (William) Lesko of Huntington, Connecticut; sister, Andronkke (Clay) Beaudet of Lake George; brother, David (Doris) Fish of Warrensburg; brother, Eugene (Audrey) Fish of Lake George; and brother, Richard (Jeanne) Fish of Lake George.

Surviving is son, Howard W. (Mary) MacDonald, Jr. of Lake George; daughter, Tanya (Michael) White of Glens Falls; sister, Marilyn (Mario) Mazzeo of Lake George; granddaughter, Michelle (Clifford) Deal and great granddaughter Rile Brook Deal of Dallas, Texas; grandsons, Michael White (Molly and Tiernan) of Tillson, New York, Jakob (Fernanda) White of Newton, Massachusetts, and Nathanial (Jacquelyn) White of Glens Falls; and many cousins, nieces and nephews of from Lake George, Warrensburg, Albany, Connecticut, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

Special thanks for the tender, loving care over the years go out to a special niece, Angela Beaudet Vernum and loyal friend Marlyn Bray, and also to the staff at The Stanton.

Grace was very proud of her family and proud to be a Marine. "Once a Marine, always a Marine," she would say.

We say Semper Fi, Grace!

Calling hours were held Monday, April 4, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, Lafayette Street, Queensbury, N.Y.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James' Episcopal Church, Lake George, N.Y.

Graveside services with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Birch Ave., Lake George, N.Y. with bagpipes performed by Gerald Cashion.

In her loving memory, donations may be made to Lake George Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 828, Lake George, NY 12845.

Condolences may be mailed to the funeral home, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.