Merna Kathryn McDonald

Merna Kathryn McDonald, 100, passed away December 31, 2012 at Saratoga Grove Assisted Living Center in Downers Grove, Illinois. She was born June 12, 1912 in rural Allison, Iowa to Hugh L. and Clara Agnes (Yost) Mosher. Merna graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1930, and subsequently attended the Iowa State Teachers College (now University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls, receiving her teaching certificate in 1932 and her B.A. in Elementary Education in 1940. She was married in 1958 to John Stewart McDonald in Downers Grove, Illinois. Merna taught elementary school in Butler County for 11 years from 1933 to 1944, and soon after began a 33-year career as an elementary teacher in Downers Grove, Illinois. During that time countless students passed through her classroom, many of whom remember her fondly even to this day for teaching them to appreciate music, as well as nurturing their enthusiasm for learning. In addition to teaching, Merna was active in a number of music organizations in west suburban Chicagoland. She played cello for many years in the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra, a high quality ensemble of professionals and serious amateurs, and in the pit orchestra for local musicals. Later, she joined the Senior Suburban Orchestra, composed of dedicated senior players that performed at various churches and retirement centers. She played the cello continuously from the age of 12 to 93. Merna was a considerable world traveler, having taken many trips to various destinations with her husband John, and later with her brother Charles and sister-in-law Viola. For a number of years she was a member of First Methodist Church in Downers Grove, and also had many interests, including researching family history, bowling, golf, and horseshoes. Merna is survived by her niece Marcia (Bill) Rovani of Mt. Prospect, Illinois, niece Ellen (Scott) Hanson of Hayward, Wisconsin and Port Charlotte, Florida, niece Marilyn (Jeff) Bodine of Minneapolis, Minnesota, niece Barbara Mosher of Big Lake, Minnesota, nephew Charles H. (Linda) Mosher of Allison, niece Ann Mosher of Bloomington, Minnesota, ten grandnieces and nephews, and two great grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, sister-in-law Viola, and brother Charles Marshall Mosher. Burial took place in the Allison Cemetery.

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Merna Kathryn McDonald

June 12, 1912 - December 31, 2012