On Dec. 1, 2000 Mom died peacefully in a loving environment at St. Joseph's Villa.
Mom was born Aug. 4, 1911 in Penasoco, New Mexico. She was the 12th of 16 children born to Porfirio and Isabel Branch Abreu. Mom entered a convent in Michigan at age 16. She left three years later as a Dominican Tertiary and moved to Castle Gate, Utah to live with her oldest brother, Joe Abreu. There she met and, on August 12, 1933, married George McDonald from Ferron, Utah.
Mom and Dad lived in Wattis, Price, and
Dragerton, Utah until Dad's death in 1976. Then Mom moved to Friendship Manor in Salt Lake. She lived there until she entered St. Joseph's Villa in 1997.
Mom and Dad had two sons, John and Michael; John had three children, Lisa, Merrilee, and Nick (All Seattle, WA); and one stepdaughter, Paige, Salt Lake; John died in 1986. Michael (Gerri) has three children, Rebecca, Brooke, and George, all of Salt Lake. Mom is also survived by one sister, Alice (Oliver) Neel, Sacramento, CA.
Mom maintained a lifelong devotion to Jesus. She was an award winning gardener with a passion for flowers, especially sunflowers. In her later years she enjoyed conversations with friends and reading. Above all else she adored her family. Mom called the staff and residents of St. Joseph's Villa the best of the best and she thanked the Lord for being there. We are grateful to and thank them all for the care and the love they gave mom in these last years.
No viewing will be held. At mom's request there will be a family service at St. Joseph's Villa. Friends are invited to a celebration for her at the home of Michael and Gerri McDonald from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 11th, 2000. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Joseph's Villa, 451 Bishop Federal Lane, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 or charity of your choice.
Funeral directors, Neil O'Donnell & Sons.