Mary Dolores "Lolly" McDonald

Lolly passed on to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, just a few weeks short of her 95th birthday.

Lolly was born on September 23, 1929 to Leo “Chick” and Catherine Irene (Maher) Meade in Iowa City, Iowa. She grew up on their family Century Farm in rural Cosgrove, Iowa, minutes away from St. Peter’s Catholic Church and School (where her immigrant Irish ancestors were founding members) graduating in 1947. Her strong values, work ethic and loyalty to family and friends were formed on that farm during the depression era, and she carried them closely with her during her entire life.

She attended Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa before transferring to University of Iowa, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in History in 1951. She later attained a Reading Specialist Master’s degree at National College of Education, Evanston, Illinois. Lolly met her future husband in a class at U of Iowa. Chicago born and raised, charming Jim McDonald was instantly smitten with the beautiful, bright Iowa farm girl and they married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Iowa City in 1956. He met his lifetime match in the witty, sharp, fun-loving Lolly Meade.

They moved to Arlington Heights in 1958 where they raised their 3 children and lived a very full life. Endless hours were spent on bleachers cheering on their children’s (and later grandchildren’s) many sports and activities. Lolly was a ferocious and passionate sports fan and relished every moment spent watching any and all sports, particularly Bulls, Bears, Cubs and her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. She was so very proud of her Iowa and Irish roots, and would often burst out in singing the Iowa Fight Song. Her knowledge of sports was quite extensive, and she lived for March Madness and One Shining Moment each spring.

Her professional career was spent in the classroom, where she shined as a Reading Specialist. She taught in the Arlington Heights School District, while simultaneously working toward her advanced degree on nights and weekends. She proudly retired from the Naperville School District in 1981, and enjoyed tutoring in her retirement days.

Lolly thrived in the St. James Catholic Church Community where many friendships were formed and activities supported. She was involved in National Catholic Forester’s Society, Christian Family Movement, Religious Education Board, Infant Welfare Society, Parish Council, Supporter of Sisters of the Living Word and taught Religious Education.

In her spare time Lolly enjoyed participating in her Scripture Group, was an active Bridge player, belonged to several Book Clubs, was a member of the Iowa Alumni Association and thoroughly enjoyed her Pot Luck Group since the 1960s. Lolly was a Prospect High School Booster and Friends of Rhythmettes Booster 1970s-1980s. She sacrificed many hours participating in a four year study, downtown Chicago, called HERS which benefitted women with heart disease. She was Geneva’s Boy’s Basketball #1 Fan and “Honorary Mascot”. She was an enthusiastic and joyful dancer whenever she had a chance.

Left to mourn her loss are Daughter Ann Beatty (Scott), Son Jim McDonald (Ellen), Son Bill McDonald (Kathy); Grandchildren Dan McDonald (Amy), Mary Creech (Jody), Megan Stull (Joe), Clare Beatty, John McDonald, Mollie McDonald, Jack McDonald, Ryan McDonald; Great Grandchildren Bethany McDonald, Gavin Mitchell, Meredith Stull, and numerous nieces and nephews, all truly grateful and blessed for having her as our Family Matriarch. Lolly was preceded in death by her Husband Jim in 2004, Sister Marilyn “Bede”, Brother Eugene “Chick” Meade and Brother Lawrence “Joe” Meade.

The things she will be most fondly remembered for…the way she lit up a room when entering it, her warm friendly smile, her smiling Irish eyes, the way she made everyone feel so special, her clever sense of humor, her perseverance, and the sincere JOY she exuded. We will all keep her love and laughter alive in our hearts.

A visitation will take place from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday, August 12, 2024 at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 with a visitation starting at 9:00am, at St. James Catholic Church 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Iowa City, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorials will be directed to the American Heart Association, The American Lung Association or to St. James Catholic Church in Lolly’s memory.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.