Judith Ann McDonald

Heaven got a little brighter and a whole lot louder when Judith Ann Kapla McDonald arrived on Thursday, June 30th, 2022. She is no doubt dancing again with her devoted husband Mike, and laughing with her sisters Kathy and Suzie, her parents June and Harry, and her godmother Lorraine. Judy continues to live on in the hearts of her beloved daughter Erin, her son-in-law Ken, her sister Maryann, her brother-in-law Joe, and generations of nieces and nephews who will miss her wise-cracks, wit, and wonderful laughter. Judy lived a full and adventurous life. She worked as a Assistant secretary for the Shriners; she traveled to California in her younger years and to Connecticut where she met and fell in love with Michael McDonald. She made a home with her husband and love-of-her-life in Muskegon Mi, and was even crowned Miss Muskegon in 1972. In her younger years, she loved to dance and spend time with all her childhood girlfriends, (To many to list.) Judy loved to spend time with family in Traverse City, playing games like Scrabble, Rummy, and Poker with her crazy and competitive family. (She even framed the dollar she won after finally defeating her sister Kathy in Scrabble.) Indeed, there was never a dull moment with Judy’s delightful sense of humor and fun. For as wild and playful as she was, Judy was equally as spiritual. A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, she believed firmly in the power of prayer and strong intention-setting. She had collections of prayer books, prayer cards, rosaries, and countless affirmations written on tiny little notes in her eloquent handwriting. Before she moved to Grand Rapids, Judy was an active parish member at St. Francis. She prayed daily for her family and friends, selflessly putting the needs of others before her own. Above all, Judy’s proudest accomplishment was her daughter, Erin Rose. In the final chapter of her beautiful life, Judy lived with Erin, a gift that deeply fed both of their souls. The time together, the meals shared, the conversations had, the joys doubled, and the sorrows halved - it was a blessing most people will never know. Erin and her Husband Ken gave Judy a decade of peace, comfort, and companionship that saw her to the end of her earthly journey. On Friday, July 8th from 5-7pm, family and friends are invited to gather at Arsulowicz Brothers East Mortuary, 937 Michigan Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 to remember our beloved Judy - to celebrate her abundant life, to mourn for our immense loss, and to take comfort in knowing we’ve all gained a most spirited Guardian Angel. May we always remember the wisdom of her post-it notes “If you’re going to worry, why pray? If you’re going to pray, why worry?” and may our broken hearts find solace in knowing that Judy is at last again in the arms of her favorite dance partner, swaying to the music… I'll be seeing you In all the old familiar places That this heart of mine embraces All day through I'll find you in the morning sun And when the night is new I'll be looking at the moon But I'll be seeing you.

Tributes

Judith Ann McDonald

November 17, 1942 - June 30, 2022