Ann Mildred McDonald

Ann Mildred Vit McDonald, 98, of Austin, Texas, passed away into her Lord’s loving arms on January 2, 2024 in Austin. Just two weeks away from turning 99, her final days were spent with her loving and devoted son and granddaughters.

Ann was born to John Vit and Pauline Holy Vit on January 15, 1925, in Li-buse, Louisiana. Ann graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana and attended Durham’s Business College of Houston. Ann would later apply her business acumen to a successful career as a Tax Examiner for the IRS for many years.

Ann fell in love with and married the love of her life, Edward Daniel McDonald, on November 3, 1950, in Dayton, Texas. They always loved to dance and he was the one to sweep her off her feet. On April 7, 1952, Ann and Daniel welcomed Brent Dennis McDonald into the world. Ann’s devotion as a mother was beyond measure. She raised her son to know unconditional and unending love, and that same love would be returned to her throughout her life by Brent, especially in her final years. Through countless visits, Brent faithfully spent time by her side, bringing her favorite ice cream, sharing updates and showering her with affection. They shared laughs, smiles and usually some words spoken in Czech, her parents’ native tongue, which she enjoyed teaching to her family.

A dedicated member of The World of Pentecost Church in Austin, Ann loved participating in The Cornerstones Group, as well as serving in the church and sharing her faith with others. Her well-worn Bible was read cover-to-cover year after year as she faithfully maintained an intimate relationship with her Lord and Savior.

Ann loved the outdoors and made countless happy memories in places like Crystal Beach, Texas, Calcasieu Point, on Lake Travis, and Granny’s Get-A-Way on Lake LBJ. Whether crabbing on the jetties at The Cut or teaching children how to catch Big Whiskers, Ann loved to take part in fishing adventures big and small. She also loved beachcombing for treasures like sand dollars, driftwood and sand glass with her grandchildren.

Everyone who knew her knew Ann could cook and bake the most delicious meals and desserts. She will long be remembered for cooking up stacks of the fluffiest pancakes, whipping up Ice Box Pies for birthday celebrations, and waking up early to ensure the delivery of the most heavenly homemade rolls on Christmas day.

Ann was like a surrogate mother and grandmother to many of Brent’s and her granddaughters’ friends. Always there with a warm embrace or a kind word, and always happy to cook up a hot meal to show her love, she devoted herself to making others feel welcome and at home in her presence.

Ann also loved to travel, from a trip to New York City with her best friend to drives to San Marcos to take her granddaughters back-to-school shopping, she was always up for an adventure and a new destination.

In her later years, she enjoyed bird watching, puzzles, Wheel of Fortune and sharing Klondike Bars with her great grandchildren.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, John and Pauline, sisters Rosie and Emilie, her brother Fred, her husband, Daniel, her step-children, Edward McDonald, Jr., and Lynda Barbay, her daughter-in-law, Becky McDonald, and many wonderful friends.

Ann is survived by her loving son, Brent McDonald, her granddaughters Amanda McDonald Sutliff and husband Graham; Megan McDonald Tamporello and husband Sammy; and great grandchildren Shelby and Price Sutliff, and Jackson and Tristan Tamporello.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Park Manor and those who pro-vided hospice care to Ann for their kindness and compassion.

A visitation for Ann will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral H, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A funeral service will occur Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A graveside will occur Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.