Thordis Hildur ”Hilda” Thorbjornsdottir McDonald, 78, of Princeton, passed away peacefully Monday evening at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. She was born March 1, 1946 in Reykjavik, Iceland to the late Thorbjörn Pétursson and Jónína Vilborg Thorbjornsdottir. She was the widow of the late Harold Clifton McDonald, Sr., she was also preceded in death by a brother; Benedikt Thor Valsson. Mrs. Hilda is the mother of Harold McDonald, Jr. of the home.
Hildur was born and raised in the town of Reykjavik, Iceland. As a child Hildur loved to skate on the pond. In her teenage years, when school ended, she went to the countryside and helped the farmer’s wife with the household and children. At the age of sixteen, she became an aupair for a few months in England with her mother’s sister and then worked in a bakery, While living in Iceland, she met Harold Clifton McDonald, Sr. while he was serving his country, United States, in the Navy.
After moving back to Goldsboro for a very short time, they settled in Princeton for the duration of their lives. During this time, she worked at the Princeton Manufacturing Company for 15 years and then worked at Cherry Hospital in dietary and then supervisor of Housekeeping until her retirement. Hildur enjoyed listening to Elvis, Bee Gees, and other musical artists. When her family came to visit from Iceland, she prepared a feast of food along with an array of desserts. Thru the years, she was dedicated to raising and taking care of her son, Harold.
After retirement, she enjoyed the company of her feline companions; Baby, Rainbow, Boots, Macadoodle, and several more.
Mrs. McDonald is survived by her son; Harold Clifton McDonald, Jr, of the home, brothers; Jón Haukur Valsson , Eyjólfur Valsson, Sverrir Valsson, Örn Valsson, sisters; Friðlin Valsdóttir, Jóna Vala Valsdóttir, Ida Valsdóttir and Ína Valsdóttir all of Iceland.
The Funeral is scheduled for 6:00 pm, Monday, September 2, 2024 at Casey Funeral Home & Cremations Chapel. Officiating is Reverend Dwayne Batten and Reverend Clay Parker. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm prior to the funeral. At other times the family will receive friends at the home of Malcolm and Kim Hinton on Friday August 30th from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at 1488 Old Hinton Road, Princeton, NC.
Although flowers are welcomed, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to the Princeton United Methodist Church, P O Box 116 Princeton, NC 27569. Please note on the memo line for the Food Bank in memory of Hildur McDonald.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
Casey Funeral Home & Cremations is honored to serve the McDonald family.
