Susan Jane McDonald

Susan Jane McDonald passed away on March 2nd, 2026. She was 80 years old. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she made her home in Salem, Oregon, where she spent the later years of her life surrounded by family, creativity, and community.

Susan was a loving mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend. She earned a degree in History and Special Education from California State University, Northridge, and spent many years teaching middle school. She even taught at her daughters’ school, much to her pre-teen horror at the time, but it became a memory they all laughed about later.

When she moved to Oregon, Susan finally followed her dream of becoming a hairstylist. It was just one more place where her creativity showed through. She took care of her family and used her skills to help missionaries and children during a trip to Africa. She also worked at the Oregon State Hospital, where she showed patients dignity, care, and kindness by giving them a salon experience that made them feel seen.

Her faith was one of the strongest parts of her life. She found comfort and purpose in her relationship with God and attended Bible study every week. She went to church on Sundays at Salem Alliance with her daughter, Christine and her grandson Brett. During her recent hospital stay, gospel music brought her peace and calm, which was a true reflection of how deeply her faith was rooted in her heart.

Susan was one of the most artistic and naturally gifted people you could meet. Everything she tried seemed to come naturally to her. She explored quilting, knitting, painting, porcelain dolls, and stained glass. She made each craft into something beautiful. Whether she was picking out the perfect quilt colors, learning a new knitting pattern, or sitting down to paint with watercolors, she was always creating from her heart. Honestly, there might not have been a craft she didn’t try. She was funny, a little sassy, sometimes stubborn, and always honest. Those qualities made her presence unforgettable. Her quilts and knitted pieces are cherished heirlooms, full of the time, skill, and love that she poured into each stitch. Those lucky enough to be wrapped in one of her creations know the comfort of her touch, even now.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Parks and Christine Blanksvard. Both Cheryl and Christine are nurses, and they were very close to their mom. They talked with her every day, shared regular girls’ lunches, and leaned on her not only as their mother, but also as one of their closest friends. Susan is also survived by Christine’s husband, Stewart Blanksvard, whom she had loved like a son since he was a teenager.

She leaves behind her grandchildren, Brett, Reese, Sam, and Rob, each of whom brought her pride and joy. She is also survived by Rob's partner, Eli, as well as her granddaughter Sam’s husband, Donnie, and their children Lillian, Susan, London, and Bella, who brought Susan joy and laughter. Lilly was lovingly named after Susan.

Her family will forever hold her memory close, through the stories she told and the handmade treasures she created with so much love.