Obituary of Donna Marie McDonald

Donna McDonald, a loving and supportive mother, died quietly in the Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Albany, Oregon, at the age of 72. 

Born to Patrick and Alma (Wilhelm) Carroll in Washington D.C., the family moved to Manhattan Beach, California, in 1951. Her father died unexpectantly a year later, leaving her mother to raise three pre-school daughters alone.

Sister Terri said she and Donna had good times with their new friends with the next move to Hermosa Beach: building sand castles, beach walking, roller skating, playing Name That Tune with their youngest sister Maureen. They shopped, enjoyed music and frequently showed deep appreciation for their mother. They enjoyed family reunions with aunts, uncles and cousins in the large Wilhelm family,

In 1960 the family moved to La Jolla where Donna attended Stella Maris Catholic Academy and La Jolla High School where she graduated in 1965.

Donna met David McDonald at a party in 1964.  He was in the Navy, docked for a short stay in San Diego. They corresponded for the following two years and after she turned 18 had a beautiful wedding surrounded by family.

One year later the McDonalds had their first daughter, Diana, and five years afterwards welcomed daughter Jennifer.  The family moved to Salem, Oregon.

Donna worked for 30 years. Her initial jobs were in schools and the aeronautics industry, then with the State of Oregon. Her final position was as a case manager for the Department of Justice. She was able to contribute to the plight of single parents by identifying and establishing better financial stability using tools allowed by the Support Enforcement Division. She felt great satisfaction in her service and helped many children in struggling families.

The McDonald family enjoyed beach camping and Donna enthusiastically supported her daughters in their school activities including sports. She was an avid Portland Blazers fan and was remembered for turning off the television if they were losing (in her mind to halt the jinx on her team).   

After David died in 1995, she became the ‘rock’ for her daughters as well as grandson Devin.

She moved one last time, to Albany, and despite several surgeries enjoyed a quiet retirement. She was a keen reader, liked to dine out with daughter Diana and friends Jeanne and Roz, go to movies, shop for clothing and get her hair cut and colored. Her stylist Christy (LaBelle Boutique in Albany) made her feel beautiful for over 20 years.

Donna’s favorite television shows were Criminal Minds, CSI Miami and Ninja Warriors.  She would sit on her recliner and watch television with her yorkie mix dog Ray-Ray for hours.

Donna was grateful for the loving care that allowed her to remain at home as she declined: Evergreen Hospice, her daughters, caregivers Elizabeth, Marlene, Annie and Diana H.

Her last week of life was spent in the hospice house. She was heaven bound and peaceful with Ray-Ray and her family by her side as she passed. 

She is deeply missed for her love, her strength and her will to live. Donna is survived by her daughters Diana and Jennifer, grandsons Devin and Dré and sister Terri.

It was her wish that no formal service be held but to have her remains scattered on a quiet Oregon beach. Her family requests that any memorial donations be made in Donna’s name to SafeHaven Humane Society, 3220 Old Hwy 34, Tangent, Oregon, 97389.

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