Mary A. McDonald

McDONALD, Mary A. - age 75, passed away on November 22nd, 2024, at her home in Hartland, Michigan, surrounded by her loved ones. Mary’s fighting spirit was on full display throughout her eight-year battle with kidney cancer. Born on December 6, 1948, in Flint, Michigan, Mary showed her strong will and determination in every aspect of her life. Mary was a proud graduate of Flushing High School where she excelled academically and ran hurdles, despite her 5’2” frame. She furthered her education at Mott Community College, where she laid the foundation for her professional career. She retired in 2008, after 35 years, as a Quality Network Representative from General Motors, a role where she demonstrated her leadership and commitment to always doing the job right. Mary also spent 25 years on the sidelines for Raider Volleyball as a statistician, earning a place in the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Mary's greatest joy, however, came from her family. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 42 years, Michael McDonald. Mary and Mike met on the youth softball fields in Flushing where their daughters played. She is also survived by her daughters, Tina (Kevin) Carlile and Shawn (Troy) Andrews, along with her stepdaughters, Alicia (Mike) Niedzielski and Nicole (Ken) Wilkins. Mary was an amazing grandmother to her grandchildren: Declan, Kieran, and Owen Carlile; Kade, Keatyn, Kendyl, and Kole Andrews; Colton and Carson Niedzielski; and Tommy Wilkins. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart, and she seized every opportunity to watch them compete and perform. She was known for the special birthday cakes she made for each family member; they were truly spectacular and one of a kind. In addition, Mary was a self-taught jack-of-all-trades; there was nothing she couldn’t master. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Irene Gault and James Gault, who instilled in her the values of hard work and resilience. Her legacy will live on through her family, who will carry forward her feisty spirit and the love she shared with all. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her devotion to her family, her career, and her community. Mary leaves behind a lasting impact, one that will resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, MI 48430. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com