Carole Joann McDonald

C. Joann McDonald, 92, of Terre Haute, Indiana passed away September 22, 2024. She was born June 1, 1932 to LaVern and Mildred Gibson. She had one brother, Max Gibson and one sister, Sally Nicholson. She attended Fontanet High School. Later after being a mother of four children, she went back to school to become a teacher. She attended Indiana State University and graduated with an elementary education degree. She also attended DePauw University and received her master’s degree. Joann loved being a teacher. All of her students were special to her. To this day she would have former students tell her “Mrs. McDonald, you were the “best” teacher I ever had.” Joann married Travis McDonald, her childhood sweetheart on August 5, 1950. The McDonald’s were blessed with four children: Roger McDonald, Jodie Leidig, Jan Schimmel and Rodney McDonald. On April 29, 1990, her husband Travis suffered from a severe accident and she retired from teaching so she could care for him. Joann loved her family. She was the best mother and grandmother ever. Joann attended The Kings Harvest Foursquare Church. She loved and lived her faith in God. Joann is survived by her four children, Roger McDonald and wife Trina of Terre Haute, Indiana; Jodie Leidig and husband Milton of Westin, Florida; Jan Schimmel and husband Chauncey of Terre Haute, Indiana and Rodney McDonald and wife Marla of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren Marlee Kelty and husband David, Amy Sparks and husband Jeremy, Ryan McDonald, Mark Schimmel and wife Darby; Lindsey Worth and husband Evan; Zachary Leidig and wife Theresa; and Tara Sims and husband Patrick; seventeen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She also had a lot of nieces and nephews that she loved very much. Joann was preceded in death by her husband Travis McDonald; her parents LaVern and Mildred Gibson; sister, Sally Nicholson; brother, Max Gibson and granddaughter, Laura Brooke McDonald. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Roselawn Funeral Home. Services will begin at 1:00pm with graveside to follow. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to Gentiva Hospice. Fond memories and condolences may be made at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net