Catherine Theresa McDonald

Theresa is survived by her three children, Samantha Russell of Odenton, MD; SSgt. Ryan Russell of Minot, ND; and Joseph Russell of Denver, CO whom she shared with former spouse John Russell; her father (Retired) Col. Martin J McDonald; her sisters Elizabeth Sisti and Patricia Monahan; her brothers Michael McDonald, Kevin McDonald, Christopher McDonald and Patrick McDonald. She left behind many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, an Uncle, and friends- including life-long friends Sandra and Sondra Linton, as well as her friend Tom Jordan of eight years. She is preceded in death by her mother, Ann Lynn McDonald of Alexandria, VA.

Theresa was born on January 28, 1964 in Sacramento, CA to parents Martin and Lynn McDonald. Growing up in a military family meant moving around a lot. She graduated from Central High School in Capital Heights, MD in 1982 while they were living on AAFB, and then went on to graduate from The Washington School for Secretaries in 1984. She married in 1985 and settled in Churchton, MD. She began working as a Purchasing Manager for SFA, Inc. and settled into raising a family. In 2005 she moved to Alexandria, VA to begin her new life as a single parent to her three beautiful children and began working with L3 Communications in Crystal City, VA as a secretary.

Theresa was first and foremost a wonderful mother to Sam, Joey and Ryan. She was a generous and kind individual – always helping others before herself. She loved babies, animals, baking, music, movies, dancing, reading, and being with her family and friends. She loved her children unconditionally. She loved the Eastern Shore. She loved eating crabs from the Chesapeake Bay. And, she had a green thumb and loved planting flowers and tending vegetable gardens. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

A memorial service is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2015 at Murphy Funeral Homes, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Theresa’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association https://donations.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).