Kathy McDonald

With her kind and generous heart, Kathleen McDonald lived her life to the fullest each and every day. She treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren as they were her greatest source of pride and joy. According to Kathy, nothing beat a steak cooked to perfection with all the trimmings, and she loved cooking for others, too. A woman of poise and grace, Kathy leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who were blessed to know and love her.

The early forties were a trying time in America as many of our men were serving overseas in WWII and daily life stateside centered on the support of the war effort. Women stepped into the jobs the men left behind, although many of these jobs shifted gears in order to produce things needed in the war. Production of automobiles had ceased by the year 1944 and there were scrap drives for steel, rubber, tin, and paper. This was a year for celebration in the family of Alfred Amil and Helen Jean (Holmes) Mickna as they welcomed their daughter, Kathleen Anne, into their hearts and home on August 18th. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kathleen was the older of two children in her family including her younger brother Karl. Her father worked as a sander in a local furniture factory while her mother was a homemaker who worked in an office as well. Kathy, as she was usually known, was raised in the family home on Sweet Street on the northeast side of the city.

Even as a young girl, Kathy seemed to squeeze every last drop of life out of every moment. She enjoyed playing cowboys and Indians as a child and swimming in local pools. Holidays were always special times during Kathy’s formative years as they were spent with extended family gathered around the table, enjoying a meal together. There were always many gathered around the table, which is perhaps what led to Kathy’s keen appreciation for her own dining room table later in life. On two occasions, the Mickna family enjoyed fun-filled vacations to Florida.

The Catholic faith was established as a cornerstone in Kathy’s life at a young age. Her family was members of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, and she received a Catholic education as well. Kathy attended St. Alphonsus Elementary where she was an AAA Safety Lieutenant. She went on to Mt. Mercy Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in Grand Rapids.

New and exciting changes were in store for Kathy when she made the acquaintance of the man with whom she would establish the family she treasured. His name was Tom McDonald and they were introduced by Kathy’s sister-in-law, Sharon. A relationship ensued and after dating for three years, Kathy became Mrs. Tom McDonald on March 23, 1963, at St. Alphonsus Church.

After a two-day honeymoon in Chicago, the couple settled into a home at 1416 Bradford NE where they soon began their family. Together they were blessed with three children: Brian in November of 1963, Karen just one year later, and Annemarie in July of 1966. Their family enjoyed vacations together while their children were younger, visiting Disney World and camping, too. Kathy was a fantastic cook whose specialties were spaghetti, soups, and roasts. She was deeply saddened with the death of her husband in 1979.

Throughout the course of her life, Kathy was a woman of many interests. She was actively involved in the Mt. Mercy Alumni Association, the Grand Rapids Construction Association, and the Kids Food Basket, a local group engaged in the fight against childhood hunger. She loved a good steak dinner complete with all the trimmings and when it came to music, she enjoyed listening to the oldies station on the radio or perhaps soft rock music. Kathy’s most prized possession was her dining room table, not so much as a piece of furniture, but because it represents the love shared between a family when they are enjoying a meal together. When her family grew to include grandchildren, Kathy was overjoyed and lived to spend time with her grandchildren whenever she could.

Life took an unexpected turn just two weeks ago when Kathy developed a perforated ulcer. Her health rapidly diminished and her body was not able to overcome that which her spirit was willing. Kathy drew her last breath surrounded by her loving family.

Kathleen McDonald lived her life with vibrancy and purpose. She could be strong willed when it came to matters she felt passionate about, yet her heart was as big as they come. Kathy was caring and generous, always looking for a way she could make a difference in the world around her. Family was of the utmost importance to Kathy and spending time with her children and grandchildren topped her list. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those who were blessed to know and love such a remarkable woman.

Kathleen Anne McDonald of Grand Rapids died on Friday morning, August 27, 2010 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Hospital. Kathy’s family includes by her children, Brian (Susie) McDonald, Karen (Joseph) Levandoski, Annemarie McDonald; 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; her brother, Karl (Lois) Mickna; nieces, nephews and many friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas McDonald, and her parents. Cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 733 Bridge St. NW. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family at St. James Church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the Mass begins. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Paws With A Cause.