Magda Y. (Alvarez) Donis

Visiting hours will be held Thursday evening from 5-8 PM and Friday morning from 10:30-11:30 at the Carroll-Thomas Funeral Home 22 Oak Street Hyde Park.  Interment at Newton Cemetery, relatives and friends invited.

Please, in lieu of flowers, can you make a donation to Memorials and Tributes - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (bilh.org)
 

Magda Y. (Alvarez) Donis passed away peacefully in her Hyde Park, MA home on October 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico on September 20, 1958, Magda lived a life marked by devotion to her family, passion for education, and an unwavering faith in God that touched all who knew her.

Magda's journey led her from the vibrant streets of Santurce to the richly diverse neighborhoods of Boston. After graduating high school, she pursued higher education with zeal, earning a double major in Education and English from Boston University and later a Master's Degree in Leadership in Education from UMass. Her academic achievements and love of learning laid the foundation for a fruitful career as an educator.

For nearly four decades, Magda dedicated herself to the Boston Public School System, where she taught in the Bilingual program and ESL classes. Her commitment to her students went beyond the classroom; as a Boston Public Schools Literacy Coach and Boston Teachers' Union Representative, she was a pillar in the community, helping countless individuals find their voice in a new language and culture. Magda's intelligence and kindness shone through in her teaching, earning her the respect and love of students and colleagues alike.

Magda's love story with her beloved husband, Eli G. Donis, spanned 43 beautiful years. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Jessica Donis-Corrales and Eli Samuel Donis, who, along with their spouses, Alex and Peggy, continue to spread the warmth and love instilled in them by their mother. 

Family was a cornerstone of Magda's life. She was the adored "Abu" to her grandchildren, Levi Jose and Eva Marie, whose days she brightened with boundless love and joy. She was a cherished sister to Marian Serra and her husband, José Rodriguez, of Danvers. Her presence will be deeply missed, not only by her immediate family but also by the many loving relatives and friends whose lives she touched.

Magda's interests were a reflection of her love for life and learning. She was an avid reader and writer, often expressing her thoughts and feelings through journaling and poetry. Her friends meant the world to her, and she relished the times spent dining out and enjoying get-togethers at various homes whenever possible. Travel was one of her joys, with Spain being a favorite destination. She also cherished her visits to Puerto Rico, where she reconnected with her roots and family in recent years.

Her faith in God was unshakeable. Magda was an active member of International Family Church, now All People Church, of North Reading. She often served as the online "host" of live feeds, embodying the Christ-like values of goodness, empathy and joy that she held dear. She lived out her faith in everyday acts of kindness and love, setting an example for all who knew her.

Magda was the epitome of what it means to be loving, kind, and intelligent. She navigated life's challenges with grace and tenacity, and left a legacy of love and education that will continue to inspire future generations. Her spirit and teachings live on in Heaven with her beloved Jesus, and the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have been part of her journey.

We bid farewell to Magda with heavy hearts, but also with a deep sense of gratitude to the Lord for the time we shared with her. As we remember her, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on so many lives. Magda's story does not end here; it continues in the lives of those she loved and taught, in the words she wrote, and in the memories we hold dear.

In honoring Magda's remarkable life, we celebrate a woman who gave so much and asked for so little in return. Her presence was a gift of God, and though she has departed from this world, her spirit will forever remain a guiding light for us all.

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