Mary McDonald

Mary Lee was born on April 11, 1932, in Alpena to the late Garnet and Edna (Stricker) Dove. She graduated from Alpena High School in 1950. She married Sandy Roy McDonald on Oct. 4, 1952. He preceded her in death on June 4, 1999.

A dedicated and hardworking member of her community, Mary was a longtime employee of Giant Way and later served as the township treasurer of Long Rapids, retiring after 20 years of service. She and her husband Sandy also spent many years as caretakers of the Alpena Fairgrounds, as well as Beaver Lake and Long Lake parks.

Talented and creative, Mary taught ceramics classes for many years and also worked as a dog groomer. She was a proud 60-year member of Grace Episcopal Church of Long Rapids. An avid horsewoman, she belonged to the Lachine Saddle Club and spent many years as a 4-H leader, guiding and mentoring young people. A devoted animal lover, she raised and showed prize-winning Shelties and Collies and also raised African Grey parrots.

In her later years, Mary became especially known for her remarkable Iris garden, where she nurtured more than 300 varieties. She was a longtime member of the Mio Irisarians, a chapter of the American Iris Society, and took great joy in sharing her knowledge and passion with fellow gardeners.

Mary is survived by her three children: Cathy (William) Hughes of Gaylord, Sherrie O’Brien of Lachine, and Allen McDonald of Lachine; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her older brother Eldon (Shirley) Dove of Flint and sister-in-law, Paz Dove of Grand Rapids as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sandy; her daughter, Lori Lee VandenBerg; and her granddaughter, Kelly Patrice O’Brien; son-in-law Patrick O’Brien; brothers Arlen Dove and Marvin Dove.

Memorial visitation will take place at Grace Episcopal Church of Long Rapids on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at noon with The Very Rev. William McClure officiating. Cremation arrangements are being handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Inurnment: Long Rapids Cemetery

Memorials: Grace Episcopal Church