Barbara J. Mcdonald

Barbara J. McDonald, aged 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Crestwood Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 17, 1929, in Mt. Pleasant, she was the cherished middle child of John and Cora (Hein) Render. Barb shared her childhood with her siblings, Robert and Ann.

She met her beloved husband, Richard McDonald, during her sophomore year on a blind date set up by Tom Bollman. The couple married on September 9, 1950, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in a ceremony led by Father Ferguson. Their union was blessed with two children, Michael and Cora 'Kathy'.

Barb was a dedicated secretary at the Oak Company, where she contributed to the refrigeration components sector. She and Dick enjoyed many winters in Vista Del Lago, FL, until his passing in 2005.

Barb was passionate about gardening, crocheting, and challenging her mind with word finder games, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. A devoted Detroit Tigers fan, she also loved reading. Known for her strong will, independence, and responsibility, Barb was a woman who took care of things with confidence, even if she didn't always see it in herself.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Barb leaves behind her two children and their families, Michael McDonald of Sears and Josh and Jessica McDonald, Nick Kunik, Janell and Joe Trapani, Andrea and Todd Moore, and Heidi Varga; Cora 'Kathy" and Mike Hutchins of Mt. Pleasant and Keith and Lisa Hutchins, Tim and Amanda Hutchins, and Jessica Hutchins; great grandchildren, Olivia, Mallory, Casey, Riley, Cora, Collin, Jack, and Jonas; and in-laws, Tom (Ellie) Thering, Leona McDonald, Marian McDonald, Kathleen Kearney, Ron Stickney, Ruth Johnson, Bob and Gail McDonald, Cliff Schmidt, and Sally McDonald. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dick; granddaughter, Sarah Kunik; and siblings, Robert Render and Ann Thering.

A Funeral Mass for Barb will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic. Father Andy Booms will preside. Rite of Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Lincoln Reception Center. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Friday from 4-7 p.m. with the Vigil Service beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Saturday one hour before Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Parish or Sacred Heart Academy Foundation.

The family thanks Crestwood Village for the compassionate care that was shown to Barb while she was living there.

To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.