Brenda McDonald Obituary

Brenda Lou McDonald passed away peacefully at her home in Hale, Michigan, on July 13, 2025, at the age of 76. She was born on February 10, 1949, in Fairmont, West Virginia-a place she fondly remembered through her favorite song, "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Its melody echoed her spirit: heartfelt, grounded, and forever connected to home.
Brenda moved to Michigan in her youth and, after completing school, began a long career with Michigan Bell. She took great pride in her work and formed lifelong friendships, eventually retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. In her later years, she found peace in the quiet beauty of Hale, Michigan, where she poured her heart into her community and church. She especially loved volunteering at Hale Area Schools and the Hale Area FISH Thrift Store, where her giving spirit and down-to-earth warmth made a lasting impact.
Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved son, James McDonald, and later by her devoted husband, Allan McDonald. She carried their memories with strength, grace, and unwavering love. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Madonna Jewell; her grandson, Joseph Wells, and her brother, Jim Fraternali, with whom she shared a lifelong bond.
She is survived by her children: Judy (Michael) Shoemaker of Macomb Township, Allan McDonald of Yale, Margaret (John) O'Connor of Lewiston, and Patricia (Daniel) Sikora of Avoca; nine grandchildren: Adam and Anthony Lesterson, Nicole Wojtowicz, Yvonne (Tim) Howland, Charlie Jewell, Laura (Donald) Yochim, John (Erin) O'Connor, Nicholas Sikora, and Seth (Destiny) Sikora; eleven great-grandchildren: Alissa Matheney, Cheyanna and Kyle Mitchell, Bradley and Brieanna Spalsbury, Chloie and Sophia Howland, Rosalie Jewell, Sierra and Aubrey Yochim, and Lousetta Sikora. Brenda also leaves behind her dear sister-in-law Vicki Fraternali; nieces Amanda (Matthew) Shimkus and Gina Fraternali; and great-niece and great-nephew, Amelia and Wesley Shimkus. She was deeply loved by many other cousins, nieces and nephews, and close friends-including cherished friends from the Hale community-each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Brenda was the cornerstone of a loving family, offering gentle strength and a deep well of wisdom. Her home was always a refuge of warmth, laughter, and fresh baked goods. Just as the song she loved says, "Take me home, country roads, to the place I belong ", so now has she been gently led down that eternal country road-back to the place where her soul truly belongs.
In keeping with her wishes, no memorial service will be held. Those who wish to honor Brenda's memory are encouraged to make a donation to the American Heart Association or to the Hale Area FISH Thrift Store, where she found great joy in helping others.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brenda, please visit our floral store.