MCDONALD,
Catherine Mary
(Maiden Name: Willis)
The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Catherine Mary McDonald (nee Willis) passed on into the arms of Our Lord on Thursday, Sept. 6. Born in Cedarhurst, Long Island, N.Y., on Feb. 23, 1921, she married the love of her life Thomas Francis McDonald Jr. on April 19, 1941. He preceded her in death when he passed on March 6, 2001.
She gave birth to nine children: Catherine Marie (Nelson), Thomas III, Michael, David, Jeanette, Daniel, Matthew, Elizabeth (Lamoureux), and James (deceased March 20, 2011). Catherine is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Catherine was known for her enthusiastic, generous and positive spirit, love of children and zest for life. She volunteered as a teacher’s assistant in St. Maria Goretti’s kindergarten in Scottsdale for years, and traveled extensively throughout Europe and South Africa in recent years. She leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, sacrifice, and a commitment to God’s will under all circumstances. Catherine will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be Friday (Sept. 14) from 5 to 7 p.m. at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Maria Goretti’s Catholic Church in Scottsdale at 10 a.m. on Saturday (Sept. 15).
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Foundation or to Arizona Right to Life, 4633 N. 54th St., Phoenix, AZ 85018.