Lynda G. McDonald

Lynda grew up loving adventure found in riding horses, motorcycles, dancing and socializing with friends. Lynda was very involved in the school marching band and was first chair flute in high school. Lynda was a straight “A” student in National Honor Society and graduated from Mason High School in 1984. Lynda obtained an Associates degree from Lansing Community College and studied Biomedical Science at MSU.

Above all else, Lynda loved family. Lynda spent her life raising 4 kids whom she would do anything for. Lynda began as a stay at home mom dedicated to her family. During this time, she instilled morals and values in her children that serve as the foundation of their lives today.

Lynda began her long career working for Michigan State University in the late 1990’s. After this, the family traveled to Colorado, Florida, Las Vegas, Chicago, Tennessee, West Virginia, and enjoyed shopping trips to the mall for clothes, pedicures, and lunch outings. These were “adventures” Lynda and her 3 girls enjoyed together. For Erica and Adrienne’s high school senior trips, Lynda embarked on a Caribbean cruise with her daughters, their friends, and their mothers. For Lauren’s senior year, Lynda arranged for Lauren to participate in a foreign exchange program where Lauren traveled to Japan for 2 ½ weeks. Lynda was always very involved in her daughters’ extracurriculars which included choir, cheerleading, gymnastics, ballet, track, National Honor Society, Ski Club, saving cats, and many more.

In 2002, Lynda was blessed with a son whom she adored. Lynda participated and supported Connor in Boy Scouts, tae kwon do, school activities, longboarding, and band. In the last few years of Lynda’s life, nothing mattered more to her than the well-being and happiness of her son. Connor especially remembers how well she took care of him when he was sick.

Lynda reconnected with Derek Lamport, in 2014, and after a whirlwind romance they married in the spring of 2015. She adored Derek and admired his intelligence, his quick-witted humor, and his big heart.

Lynda continued to share in her childrens’ lives, dance in public (much to her kid’s dismay), cook a mean Chicken a la King for “delicious dinners”, and continue the tradition of giving her kids Christmas socks and pajamas to wear at Christmas. Lynda had a contagious laugh that could fill a room and loved having outdoor gatherings on her “Lanai”. Lynda loved sunshine, palm trees, leopard print, MSU Spartans, and “bling”. Lynda enjoyed working in the yard, listening to loud music, boating, attending local live shows, and squeezing every drop out of life.

Lynda is preceded in death by her father Alvin McDonald, her late husband Chris LaLonde, and her baby sister Angela Soffredine. Lynda is survived by her 4 kids Erica Waltz, Adrienne Waltz, Lauren Waltz, Connor Pine; mother Rosemary Merritt; sister Sharlene McDonald; husband Derek Lamport; two nieces; two nephews; three great nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Lynda’s friends and family loved her all 48 years of her short life. Her big heart will be missed and her presence will be felt forever in our hearts.

Those desiring make make memorial contributions in Lynda's honor to Ele's Place, 1145 W. Oakland Avenue, Lansing, MI 48915.