Nancy Mary McDonald

Nancy was born on September 27, 1949 to Tom and Mary Catherine Dorais in Detroit, MI, the fourth of ten children. Her childhood was spent falling in love with Motown music and cruising Woodward Ave with friends. After graduating from Marion High School, Nancy began her college journey at Western Michigan where she fell head over heels for Jim McDonald who she married August 2, 1968, shortly before he went off to serve in the Vietnam War. Her oldest was born before his return and five more kids followed during their 53 year marriage. She would ultimately attend 8 universities as they moved their growing family across the country following Jim’s career. In each of 13 cities, Nancy made a home, grew vegetables in any climate and ran miles and miles. She eventually earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology from John F Kennedy University in 2000 and began her 20 year career in foster care and adoption helping others to create families and realize dreams. Being a mother was one of the most important parts of Nancy’s life, second only to her greatest ambition; becoming a grandmother, which she did twelve times over. Her favorite pastimes included hiking, traveling, running and gardening. She loved to bake stunning "shape cakes" for her children and grandchildren's birthdays and delighted the family with each creative masterpiece. A world traveler who never passed up a chance to experience adventures with her grandkids and sisters, she loved everywhere she ever visited because that was her style. Fiercely supportive, famously welcoming, irreverently funny, and always loving, we will all miss her dearly.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents Tom and Mary Catherine Dorais and brother Charles 'Chucky' Dorais. She is survived by her husband Jim CHILDREN: Meghan (Ryan) Stokes, Amy (Jim) Crudo, Tom (Stephanie) McDonald, Molly (Raymond) Tjen A Looi, Dan (Chelsea) McDonald, Michael McDonald GRANDCHILDREN: Jake (Emma) Crudo, Sofia Maciel, Andrew Crudo, Hannah Maciel, Ruby Crudo, Gus Maciel, Louis McDonald, Luke Tjen A Looi, Alice McDonald, Mia McDonald, Hudson Tjen A Looi, and Jack McDonald.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nancy’s name to The Sam Taylor Fund https://www.thesamtaylorfoundation.org/. A Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont, CA on June 11 at 10am.