Margaret "Tootsie" Lenore Mott McDonald

Margaret Lenore "Tootsie" Mott McDonald passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024.  Tootsie was a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who lived for her family, and was also a true friend to anyone she met, touching the lives of many with her warmth, kindness and love. Born March 17, 1937 in DeLand, FL, Tootsie was the eldest of 6 children born to the late John Jay Mott and Mary Katherine Binkley Mott Greever.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Ann Visconti, son, Michael Joseph Visconti, grandson, Jacob Visconti, sister Barbara Ann Mott and husband, Vic McDonald. 

Tootsie loved being born on St. Patrick's day, especially since she was of Scotch/Irish decent. She traveled to Scotland where she was able to visit the church where her ancestor's records are located.  To honor this we are asking for those intending to attend Tootsie's funeral Mass, that you wear a touch of Green or just Green.   

Tootsie was very active in her teenage and High School days. She played the clarinet in the band, receiving many medals & awards and was recognized as a second lieutenant. Tootsie took pride in being the first female Drum Major leading the DeLand HS Marching Bulldog band. The crowds loved when she arched her back & kicked her knees high to start off the band. She had the utmost respect for her band director, Mr. Heeney. Tootsie was voted Most Friendly of her class, was a member of the Student Council, Dramatics Club, Spanish club, Growler staff, Athenian Faculty editor, and was her Jr. class Vice President.  

Tootsie was married to John Visconti from 1956 to 1979 and was the quintessential "stay at home mom" long before such a title existed, raising 5 children. She was Troop Leader for Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, volunteered with SEVAA (the South East Volusia Athletic Assoc), was a member of the NSB Jr Women's club, and an ever-present volunteer  at  Sacred Heart Church and School. She spent much of her time encouraging and supporting her children in their various activities.  She started working at the Sheriff's office in Daytona Beach in 1978 and soon after became the Judicial Assistant for Judge Michael McDermott in NSB, working for Judge McDermott until his retirement.  After her  retirement, Tootsie became involved with the American Cancer Society and worked tirelessly for 17 years with Relay for Life; a cause dear to her heart as her daughter Mary Ann died from a form of leukemia at 15 months of age. She attended a convention where a young lady spoke of her survival from the same cancer Mary Ann died of. Tootsie said, "this is why I do what I do".     

Tootsie lived for her family.  Many days were spent on the beach with her young children, trips to the springs, camping across the country, fishing, Sundays at the grandparents, organizing family reunions, lounging at her cabin in Blue Ridge, and countless events for family and friends as nothing was done without fanfare.  The most important of all were the Grandchildren who spent many summers and weekends being spoiled by "Grigi" as she was known to them and eating their favorite lemon cookies!    

Tootsie leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children, Loretta Visconti, Siesta Key, FL, Joe Visconti, Titusville, FL, Rose Branson (Chuck), Hull, GA and Frank Visconti (Silvia), Coral Gables FL. Grandchildren, Lauren Saleh (Yousif), Mariann Hall (Josh), Jeffrey Branson (Morgan), Sofia Visconti, Mia Visconti, John Visconti and Giovanna Visconti.  Great-grandchildren, Nikolena Saleh, Danielle Wooten, Olivia Wooten, Ali Saleh, Margaret Saleh, Ellie Branson and Joanna Branson. Siblings, Mary Jane Hurley, Betty Quinn, John Mott (Margie), Tom Mott and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with The Redemptorist Fathers officiating. Celebration of Life to follow in the church Social Hall.

For those who choose to not send flowers, we kindly request donations in Tootsie's name to either the Leukemia Lymphoma Society or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret "Tootsie" Lenore Mott McDonald, please visit our floral store.