Louise Whitney McDonald

She was born January 5, 1920 in Mobile, Alabama, and was the oldest of the five children of Captain Edward Whitney and Olga O' Connor Whitney.

Louise, known always as Weese to family, was raised to be a "Southern lady", with all of the accompanying manners and values; however, she was also one of the most independent, hardworking, and fun-loving women in the family. Although she was never wealthy, she always worked and saved until she could have the best of everything. A 1936 graduate of Murphy High School in Mobile, Louise was a very well read and intelligent woman. She enjoyed a 50-year career as an office manager/bookkeeper with the same company, a job that utilized her considerable mathematical, grammatical, and people skills.

One of her most outstanding characteristics was her sense of fashion & style. Louise was an excellent seamstress and made most all of her own and her daughter's clothing. All generations of our family looked for her to be the best dressed for every occasion!

Although Louise loved her hometown of Mobile, Alabama, where she lived in the Spring Hill neighborhood for 75 years, she made an easy transition to her new home in Hemet when she moved to be near her only daughter and her family here. Again, her sense of independence showed when she chose not to move into the guest house that her daughter and son-in-law had built with her in mind, preferring instead to have her own condo nearby. She settled into her new life at Rosewood Villas and became President of their condo association for over 10 years, ever learning new skills to improve their association. She also used her book keeping skills to successfully manage her beloved son-in-law, Dr. Harsany's, financial affairs for 15 years after moving to Hemet. Remarkable for someone in her 80s!

Louise loved life. She was an avid reader of anything from the classics to modern day novels and was always seen with a book in hand. She looked forward to the daily working of the newspaper crossword puzzle and word scramble. She had always loved games, especially bridge and Scrabble, which she played often after she retired to Hemet. She loved her flower garden, disdaining "fake" flowers and preferring to grow her own. She loved animals and for the last 15 years doted over her beloved Cairn terrier, Angus. Louise also loved to travel & was able to enjoy many wonderful trips both around the USA and also to Europe, South America and China.

Louise was also involved in her community. She was a 50 year member of Pilot International, a professional woman's organization, and she capably held many offices in this organization. She was a 20-year member of P.E.O., Chapter UI. She was a lifelong Episcopalian and an active member of the congregation of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Hemet & also a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King.

Most of all, Louise loved her family and was so proud of her only daughter, Candy, and John her son-in-law of 53 years. She treasured her five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, always participating as much as possible in their lives.

Louise is survived by her daughter, Candace & Dr. John Harsany who are 42 year residents of Hemet, CA. Also surviving are her 5 grandchildren: Scott Harsany (Leslie), Lydia Host (Jon), Claire Harsany, Jason Harsany, and Adam Harsany (Polly). Her 10 great grandchildren: Knight Suffich, Justin Harsany, Brandon Harsany, Knowles Suffich, Candace Reese Srour (Zach), Lauren Harsany, Ben Reese, Simon Haggerty, Elizabeth Haggerty, and Finn Host. Her surviving sisters are Ruth Whitney Keeler & Margaret Whitney Smith (Jack) and numerous loving nieces, nephews & cousins. She was predeceased by her sister Patricia Whitney Wood Austin, & her only brother, Edward Louis Whitney, Jr., and her half sisters, Florence Whitney Spencer Brown and Marie Whitney Gordon.

The family requests that no flowers be sent.

Please send any gifts of love to The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd ; 308 E. Acacia Ave., Hemet, CA 92544 as a memorial to Louise