Dr. Mary E. McDonald

Dr. Mary Elizabeth McDonald of Upper Arlington Ohio passed away peacefully and entered the kingdom of God on November 23, 2024, her 86th birthday. She was born on November 23, 1938, in Kalamazoo Michigan to the late Lloyd Robert and Iris Verona McDonald. Mary graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School on June 14, 1956. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University where she studied English Literature, French and Secondary Education. Mary received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University and her Doctorate in Education Counseling from The Ohio State University. Mary enjoyed a long career working in education and counseling. In addition to teaching, she co-created a drug and alcohol awareness education curriculum and camp for middle school students in Upper Arlington Ohio. She also wrote health curriculum for middle school and high school students and created a strategic leadership program for educators in the Upper Arlington School District. Mary was on the faculty at The Ohio State University, served in addiction treatment and counseling at Maryhaven, and provided individual and family psychotherapy. Mary loved art, literature, theater, French and Irish cultures. Mary was a strong advocate for human rights particularly for women and children. She was passionate about humane and ethical treatment for all animals. Mary was a member of First Community Church in Columbus Ohio. After Mary retired, she worked in consulting. She spent many years with her family as a devoted, unwavering mother and doting grandmother. Mary is preceded in death by Dr. John Joseph Makay. She is survived by her much-loved children, Kathryn Jane Makay Johnson (Stephen Johnson), Elizabeth Ann Makay Leonard (Tim Leonard); grandchildren, Sarah Kathryn Drobny, Mary Drobny Weaver (Seth Weaver), Nicollette Johnson (Jon Johnson), Alex Leonard; great-grandchildren Bentley and Kendrick Johnson; cousin Cathy Penix, her nieces Jane Noel, Linda Northrup, and Ann Northrup as well as their spouses, their children, and extended family both in Columbus Ohio and Kalamazoo Michigan. Mary was a beloved daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as a generous, compassionate and loyal friend. Above all, Mary was kind to everyone. She fundamentally believed in the goodness and grace of every human being. Mary will be profoundly missed, and her memory will be cherished eternally. A private burial will be held on December 4, 2024, at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park South in Kalamazoo Michigan.

In Mary’s memory, contributions may be made to:

Ohio Health Kobacker House

800 McConnell Drive, Columbus OH, 43214

614-566-5377

https://giving.ohiohealth.com