Marilyn Ann McFarland McDonald

Marilyn A. McDonald, 75, of Dubuque, IA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Stonehill Care Center.  Marilyn was a beautiful, lively human being.  She was blessed with a kind heart, a fierce mind, and a gentle spirit. Marilyn was very creative and loved musicals and Broadway performances…. So, with that, let us start the show that was this Irish lass’ life and her Tony-Award winning performance…

Born on March 13, 1948, to John and Dorothy (Healey) McFarland, Marilyn, and her beloved older brother, Michael, were raised in a loving home, surrounded by music, art, literature, and a deep knowledge and appreciation for current events and World affairs. Marilyn had a wonderful and active childhood. Whether it was playing with her neighborhood friends (many lifelong) or attending Sacred Heart School or ice skating at nearby Comiskey Park (and breaking her leg non-show biz style), she was alive and curious about the World. She would take this same curiosity and creativity with her to Wahlert Catholic High School (where she sang and performed in musicals) and later to Mount Mary College in Milwaukee.

While home from college (intermission during the show), Marilyn happened upon a tall, handsome Irish lad with jet-black hair named Gary McDonald. It’s at this point that the music and choreography of the performance changed. In 1968, the Irish lad “married-up” in class (BTW…dad knows this is true) and the music and show continued to play for another fifty-five plus years of blessed and loving marriage. Marilyn and Gary were blessed (and later humorously challenged) with the arrival of two children, Michelle, and Daniel. That’s where the next scene begins…

With Gary working multiple jobs, Marilyn became immersed, fiercely protective, and interested in Missy and Danny’s (those names stuck) childhood development and schooling. Always having fun, exploring, and letting her kids be kids, Marilyn showed them the largess and beauty of the things we all share on the Big Blue Marble. Mom would often pack the kids in the car and take many day trips to various parks and venues (mom could really rock that 1975 mint green Dodge Dart).

Marilyn spoiled her kiddos almost to a fault. When Dad would say “no” mom would say “yes” (many wonderful dogs/family members from the Humane Society). Her kids also knew, however, that she could be a velvet hammer and would tell them they needed to shape-up (or else she would tell dad…which she never did BTW). While having fun teaching her kids (including many of the kids from the neighborhood, too) she kept her show skills sharp as she performed with her beautiful voice in the Saint Patrick’s choir.

With her own children now adults and eventually having their own families, Marilyn was able to dust off the script and musical score for the next scenes with her six, beloved grandchildren. Grandma Marilyn was able to do and show her grandkids some of the very same, wonderful things that she shared with Missy and Danny. It was also at this time that the second act of Marilyn’s wonderful performance was about to begin….

Marilyn had a deep kindness, love, and sincere respect for all people and all creatures. The kind that you can neither fake nor buy with all the money in the World.  Marilyn, with such beautiful qualities in her DNA and spirit, would then share her gifts as a volunteer for many organizations and worthy causes. Yet, there was no place that mom spent more hours, days, and years than she did while volunteering at Stonehill Care Center. Mom would always be present and in the moment if a resident or visitor needed an ear, a shoulder to cry on, or just a good laugh and smile.

Additionally, Marilyn was a proud Southpaw with impeccable hand-writing and beautiful cursive slants & swooshes (a humorous thank you to the Franciscan Sisters of Sacred Heart School for giving us a true lefty). To the previous point, Marilyn was a prolific writer of cards and letters to people she knew and those she had just met. Always a positive thought, word of encouragement, or just a random funny thing or observation. Marilyn’s family has saved many of these letters and cards over the years. They bring us joy to this day and are worth more than all the Gold in Fort Knox.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and brother, as well as many other family members, in-laws, and friends. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gary McDonald; daughter Michelle McDonald-De Tomaso (son-in-law Joey); son Daniel McDonald; Grandchildren Madelyn (Curt) Jantsch-Walske, Alex (Kate) Jantsch, Ryan (India) Jantsch; Brennan (fiancé Abigail) McDonald, Connor McDonald, Caroline McDonald.  She is also survived by former daughter-in-law, Shelly McDonald and former son-in-law, William Jantsch, Jr., as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. In lieu of flowers, and per Marilyn’s wishes, memorials / donations can be given to Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Stonehill Care Center, or a charity committed to helping others and spreading kindness.

The family wishes to offer sincere thanks and gratitude to Marilyn’s close friends both past and present (you know who you are), as well as the amazing, caring, and compassionate staffs at both Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.