Alice Coig McDonald

Alice Coig McDonald, age 85, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 26, 1940, Alice lived a life devoted to education, public service, and family.

She began her career as a teacher and guidance counselor in New Orleans and later in Louisville, Kentucky, where her passion for education and community development took root. In the 1970s, Alice entered public service as Director of Neighborhood Development in the Mayor’s Office of Louisville. She went on to serve at the national level when President Jimmy Carter appointed her to the President’s Advisory Committee for Women in 1979. From 1983 to 1987, she was honored to serve as the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the state of Kentucky, where she championed education reform and opportunities for future generations.

Alice was deeply committed to advancing education, expanding opportunities for women in the workforce, and fostering leadership in public life. Beyond her remarkable career, she was a loving mother and grandmother who set a beautiful example of strength, compassion, and dedication.

She was predeceased by her parents, Olas and Genevieve Coig, and by her husbands, Glenn McDonald and Robert Hardesty. She is survived by her daughter, Michel McDonald, son-in-law, Ward Pace, granddaughter, Genevieve Pace, and step-grandson, Max Pace, all of whom will carry forward her legacy of love and determination.

A service to honor Alice’s life will be held at Lake Lawn Funeral Home on Monday, October 6, 2025 with visitation from 11am to 12pm followed by mass at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Abe’s Garden in Nashville, Tennessee.