Patricia McDonald

June 7, 1940 – May 3, 2026

Patricia "Trish" McDonald passed gracefully in her beloved home on May 3, 2026, surrounded by her family and her faithful caregivers, Shaina Bowman and Pat Stinson. Born in Gloucester, England, on June 7, 1940, she was a woman of exceptional grace whose life was a testament to the enduring power of love.

The daughter of Herbert and Clare Elizabeth Lillian Walden, Trish grew up in England where she received her education. Her journey took a beautiful turn when she was swept off her feet at a local dance by Patric W. McDonald, who was stationed in England with the USAF. They were married in St. James’ Church, Gloucester, in 1959. This sparked a lifelong love with Patric that spanned decades and continents; they would later return to that same church in 2009 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

In 1961, Trish courageously moved to Southern Indiana as a young mother. While navigating the culture shock of a new country, she found great support in her mother-in-law, Dorothy, and quickly became an integral part of her new community. During these early years, Trish and several other young women from England established the "Cheerio Club." This close-knit circle provided vital friendship and support to one another as they built their lives in America, creating bonds that remained dear to her for a lifetime. While raising her children in Indiana, she also worked part-time and was a dedicated volunteer at her children's schools and church, as well as a member of the Newburgh Women’s Club.

Following a move to Granite Bay, California, in 1986, Trish joined the Roseville Newcomers, where she discovered a vibrant community and cultivated deep, lasting friendships. Her commitment to service was most evident through her involvement with P.E.O. International. Initiated into Chapter WC in 1996, she became a charter member of Chapter XF, where she shared her talents as Treasurer, Chaplain, and Guard.

Trish found great fulfillment in the quiet beauty of her daily life and the home she so carefully curated. A voracious reader, she often immersed herself in two or three novels a week, finding endless joy in the world of stories. Her home was a reflection of her elegant spirit—beautifully decorated and always open to friends and family, whom she delighted in entertaining with her talents as an outstanding cook. Her touch was equally felt in her garden, where she was an adept nurturer of roses, her favorite flower. Trish possessed a love of travel, always eager to explore new horizons with Patric.

Patricia’s life was defined by the quiet beauty she brought into the world and the love she instilled in her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Patric W. McDonald, and their three children: Mark P. McDonald (Deidre Wesley), Karen E. Bertholf (Susheel Kumar), and Janel L. McDonald (Derek Ruecker).

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Ryan McDonald (Lindsay), Michael McDonald (Valerie Kappert), Daniel Bertholf, Katie Varadi (Zachary), Ashley Bertholf, and Evan Saab. Her light continues to shine in her great-grandchildren, Mila McDonald and Wyatt Varadi. Patricia was preceded in death by great grandson, Liam Varadi.

She is also survived by her sister, Marlene Pugh, and her brother, Edwin "Ted" Walden; her niece, Jackie Cooper, and nephew, Jeremy Pugh; as well as many loved ones remaining in England.

Friends and family are welcome to join a prayer service, officiated by Pastor Terry Farmer, when Patricia is laid to rest at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026 at St. Paul's UCC Cemetery, 8701 Big Cynthiana Rd. Evansville, IN.

In honor of Trish and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the following organizations:

P.E.O. Chapter XF California

3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 (Memo: Chapter XF/CA)

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications/tribute-to-a-loved-one.html

501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

https://stpauls-ucc.org/give

8701 Big Cynthiana Rd, Evansville, IN 47720

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.