Obituary of Elizabeth J. McDonald
Elizabeth J. McDonald, 66, of Pittsford, passed away on August 2, 2019, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.
Beth was an accomplished attorney who had a distinguished career spanning 40 years. A graduate of Elmira College, where she was class valedictorian, and Albany Law School, Beth began her legal career at the NY Court of Appeals and has served for the last 8 years as Court Attorney and Principal Court Attorney, Trial Part, for Rochester City Court Supervising Judge Teresa Johnson and Judge Thomas Morse. She previously served as General Counsel to PSC Corp., Choice One Communications and the Rochester City School District, as NYS Assistant Attorney General, in private practice with Harter, Secrest and Emery, and as an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Monroe Community College.
Beth was a true professional who was widely respected for her strong legal skills, high standards of integrity and work ethic. She was involved in numerous professional organizations devoted to improving the legal profession, including service as a Member of the House of Delegates of the NYS Bar Association and the American Bar Association, Chair-Elect and Secretary of the Senior Lawyers Section of the NYS Bar Association, Director of the NY Bar Foundation, Trustee of the Monroe County Bar Association and Dean of its Academy of Law, Director of the Legal Aid Society of Rochester, and Director of the Volunteer Legal Services Project. Beth also served the community as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Supreme Court Settlement Week Mediator, Girl Scout leader and guest lecturer at local schools.
Beth was born in Rome, NY and is survived by her life partner, Kurt Pfeiffer of Pittsford, two sisters, Kathleen, of Utica and Laurel (Charles) Lange of Whitesboro, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, 2 great-nieces and 2 great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Anne and Clifford McDonald, two sisters, Patricia LaRoue and Mary Lou Solon, and “Uncle Mike” Kainski.
Beth was a kind, caring person who was devoted to family and friends, always thinking of others before herself. She touched many lives and will long be remembered. Beth’s family is very appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from her many friends and the wonderful care provided by the staff at Highland Hospital.
Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 7th from 4-7 PM at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 3325 Winton Road South. Beth’s Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 8th at 11AM at Saint Louis Church, 64 South Main Street, Pittsford. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Volunteer Legal Services Project, 1 W. Main St. #500, Rochester, NY 14614.
