Denis Henry McDonald

Denis Henry McDonald died peacefully on January 27, 2022, at the age of 77, after a long, courageous battle against cancer. He was born in New Orleans, April 14, 1944, but grew up in Monroe, La. After graduating from Neville High School, Denis earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and the NROTC. He served as Captain in the Marine Corps in Viet Nam and received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After 4 years of military service, he and his wife, Louise Smither McDonald, returned to New Orleans, where he was a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch. After ten years, he opened his own business, Mac Dee Textiles.

Denis was an active and involved civic leader in New Orleans. He served on the boards of the Bright School, Bureau of Governmental Research, City Park Improvement Association, Metropolitan Area Committee and Ursuline Academy. He also was vice chairman of the Children’s Hospital board, the first chair — and current board member — of the Selley Foundation and a longtime board member of the Libby Dufour Fund. While his children were growing up, he served as principal of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) program at Holy Name of Jesus Church. As an advocate for cancer patients, Denis led the project to build the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, where cancer patients can live while undergoing treatment. For this and his many years of service, Denis was awarded the Tulane University Outstanding Alumnus of the Year award.

Although Denis supported organizations that help people suffering with cancer, he also found many ways to offer direct support on his own. He shared advice, stories, and best of all, a listening ear. Because he had survived a quarter-century after his initial diagnosis, Denis was a living, powerful example of the importance of taking on this dreaded affliction. But he never boasted about what he did because, he said, “If you tell, it doesn’t count."

Denis was a member of the Boston Club, Stratford Club and several Carnival organizations. In 2001 he reigned as Rex, king of Carnival.

Unassuming, but with confidence, Denis had a joie de vivre which was contagious. His sense of humor, coupled with compassion, sensitivity and a smile, was a trademark. Whether in a duck blind or on a fishing excursion with his grandchildren, Denis made you laugh as he orchestrated whatever the outing may be.

He was predeceased by his parents, Hugh Gibson McDonald and Hilda Wassermann McDonald, and his sister, Shirley McDonald Wallace. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Louise Smither McDonald, sons Hardie Gibson McDonald (Rachel) and Paul Delery McDonald (Natsue), and his brother Hugh Gibson McDonald, Jr. (Kay), his sister Anne McDonald Milling (King), and four grandchildren, NeNe, Taro, Rose, and Evie McDonald. Denis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks to his hospice nurse, Donna Messina.

Funeral arrangements include a private burial on February 5, followed by visitation at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 1025 Napoleon Ave., and a Mass at 11 a.m. .

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, 2609 River Rd, New Orleans, LA, 70121 or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, PO Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238 or a charity of your choice.