Marilyn McDonald

Our dearly beloved Marilyn Murray McDonald gently passed away unexpectedly into the realm of God's glory at 3:21 pm, on Friday, February 24 at Seton Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was 80 years of age.

Marilyn was born August 30, 1931 in Tyler, Texas as the only child of Mary and William Murray. She attended Tyler public schools where she was a cheerleader at Hogg Junior High and John Tyler High School graduating in 1948. Marilyn then attended Christian College (now Columbia College) in Missouri for one year, before attending Tyler Junior College her sophomore year where she was also a cheerleader. She next attended the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated in 1952, majoring in Physical Education. While at UT, she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, teaching tennis at Camp Mystic during the summer. Marilyn returned to Hogg Junior High as a Physical Education teacher for 2 years. She was introduced by her sorority sister Kitty McDonald, to her brother Jim, which resulted in their marriage on January 30, 1954. After living in Coronado, California for 5 months while Jim completed his navy service, they relocated in Austin, Texas where Jim graduated from UT. He began his 38 year employment with Adams Extract Company while retiring in 1996.

Marilyn resumed her physical education teaching career at Pecan Springs Elementary School, while becoming active in numerous Austin organizations: The Women's Symphony League, the Junior League, Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae, Alpha Phi Mother's Club, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, St. Anne's Guild, Board of Christian Education and Meals on Wheels.

She was the Kappa Austin Alumna Association President in 1986 and received The Outstanding Alumnae Award in 1991.

Marilyn and Jim enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, as well as Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.

In addition to Jim, Marilyn is survived by daughters Laura Kay McDonald, Mindy and husband Jeff Smith, and grandchildren Ashley, Melissa and Hunter Smith, plus numerous cousins, nieces and friends.

Marilyn enjoyed UT sports, especially Longhorn football with the "Bleacher Buddies" as well as beef enchiladas with guacamole, seafood, a good hamburger, 1886 chocolate cake, macadamia nut cookies and Dulce de Leche ice cream.

We would like to thank Dr. John Hays and Dr. Ted Dake, as well as Dr. John Dallas, Brian and the first floor ICU staff.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, P.O. Box 5176 Austin, TX 78763 or to Meals on Wheels And More, 3227 E. 5th St. Austin, TX 78702

"Until I Waltz Again With You," I'll be seeing you…