Joan Hutchinson McDonald

Joan Hutchinson McDonald departed this world on June 23, 2026 at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida, She and her husband were lifelong residents of Manatee County. A 4th generation native from DeFuniak Springs, Florida, she was predeceased by her son Thomas McDonald, parents William "Hoot" Hutchinson and Eva Brannon Hutchinson, four sisters, Edith Sullivan, Elvie Lynn, Muriel Pyles/Spears, and Hilda DeRycke. She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Terrence McDonald; adoring grandchildren, Jennifer McDonald, Bryan McDonald (Joanna), and Michael Hester; step grandson. Michael McDonald, brother-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friend, Glenda Parks-Campbell. Joan was a proud alumna of Walton High School. She studied at Florida State University, earning an AA in Nursing from Manatee Community College, a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Education, and a Masters in Nursing from the University of South Florida. She began as a Registered Nurse at Manatee Memorial Hospital, later head nurse in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Joan taught nursing at the Manatee Voctech, Manatee Community College, and Sarasota Voctech. As department head at the Manatee Voctech she developed competency-based education, copied by numerous institutions. She was an ardent traveler exploring all 50 states, much of Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Western Europe. Joan belonged to numerous organizations and served as President of the Ellenton Civic Association.

Viewing is at Groover Funeral Home, Ellenton, FL. on Friday July 24 from 6 to 8 PM. A funeral mass is at Holy Cross Church, Palmetto, FL, July 25, 11:00 a.m. A celebration of Joan’s extraordinary life will be held after the funeral at Popi’s, Ellenton, FL. If attending please RSVP to the family by Monday July 20th so there is an accurate headcount for food preparation. A private interment will be at a later date.

Text: 941-224-2551

Phone message: 941-224-2551