Mrs. Ann Marie McDonald (Spano), 68, passed away peacefully on Aug. 11, 2025, in Berlin, Md.
Born on July 11, 1957, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Ann was the daughter of Grace and Angelo Spano. She spent all of her childhood in New York. Even when she moved to Virginia to raise her children, she remained close to her parents, as well as her brothers — Danny, John, Joey, and Tommy Spano — and held a special place in her heart for her niece and nephews.
Ann shared a devoted marriage with her husband, Wesley McDonald. Together, they have enjoyed the later years of life. She was a proud mother to Heather Dench and Jason Dench, and she cherished the memory of her late son, Daniel Dench. Her role as a grandmother brought her immense joy — she adored spending time with her granddaughters, Cora, Chloe, and Allison Burt and her grandson, Noah Dench. She also embraced her stepchildren, Amy and Andy, and their children, Savannah and Kaden, with open arms.
Ann found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved crabbing and boating along the water’s edge, where she felt most at peace. Music was a constant companion in her life — its rhythms often filling the spaces where family gathered. A trip to the casino always brought a sparkle to her eye; it was one of many ways she enjoyed time with those she loved.
Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
May Ann’s memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A service will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m. at Salyer’s Funeral Home, 6327 Church St., Chincoteague Island.
Family and close friends are welcome to her viewing at 12:30 p.m.
Services have been entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
