Frances N. McDonald's Obituary
Frances N. McDonald, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 1, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 16, 1934 to Joseph and Carmen Rodriguez in Mt. Pleasant, MI. She was a faithful servant of Our Lord and Savior and was a longtime member of Our Lady of Assumption and St. James Catholic Church. Frances dedicated 27.5 years to Howmet Casting, where she worked her way up to an inspector. On October 23, 1957, Frances married her loving husband, John McDonald in Ludington, MI. Together they cherished 62 years of marriage filled with love and laughter. He preceded her in death on July 13, 2020. John and Frances both truly enjoyed actively keeping their faith and together they participated in their church’s Cursillo Catholic Retreat. Frances was a loving mother and wife and supported her husband’s 22-year career in the service by raising their family. She had many hobbies she enjoyed such as sewing, crocheting, and ceramics. She also took great pride in her garden and was gifted with a green thumb. For many years, she took pleasure in cooking and canning with her family. Above all things, she cherished time with her family during the holidays and at family gatherings, making endless memories to be passed on for years to come. She had a fierce loyalty to her children and family. Frances will always be remembered for her loving, sassy and vivacious personality; there was truly never a dull moment. She will be missed by many who knew her. She is survived by her 5 children, Cindy (Stanley Anastasiades) McDonald, Debbie Brown, Gilbert McDonald, Michael (Alice) McDonald and Kevin McDonald; 24 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, John (Sandra) Rodriguez; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, John McDonald; 5 sisters, Mary Silva, Linda Harwood Pauline Albrecht, Carmen Hernandez and Sandra Griffin; 4 brothers, Jessie Rodriguez, Joseph Rodriguez, Rudy Rodriguez and Freddie Rodriguez; and grandchildren, Robbie Brown and Kelsey McDonald. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, 5149 Dowling St., Montague, MI 49437. Rosary will be held at 10:30 AM. A limited visitation of 25 people at a time will be held from 7:00PM-8:00PM on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. The family would like to thank both Senior Resources and Harbor Hospice for ensuring that Frances could have her final wishes. Memorial Contributions in Frances’ honor can be directed to Our Lady of Assumption Food Pantry. Please share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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