Obituary of Catherine Ann McDonald

Cathie McDonald, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a compassionate nurse, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2023. Cathie bravely fought a 16-month battle with cancer, showing immeasurable strength, courage, and resiliency throughout her treatment.   She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and compassion that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Cathie was born on January 15, 1951 in Butte, Montana. She was the oldest of 6 children born to her Irish parents Bill and Ellen Kelly.  She spent her early years surrounded by enough loving aunts, uncles, and cousins to fill the massive Butte mining pit. Their love helped nurture the beautiful person she was for the rest of her life. Though financially poor, she had a rich, memorable childhood in Butte.  She moved to Boise in the seventh grade when her dad was transferred here by Texaco.

She attended St Joseph’s elementary school and Bishop Kelly High school.   Many of the friends she made at these schools remained close friends for the rest of her life, including her best friend-her husband.  She loved those experiences and reflected on them often.

She graduated from Nursing School in 1970 and began pursuing her 44 year passion at St. Alphonsus Hospital, only retiring to care for her grandchildren.  How blessed to have such wonderful career that she loved going to every day and a passion that was so personally fulfilling.  A career where she touched the lives of countless patients with her gentle touch and warm smile. She worked tirelessly to provide the best care possible to all those entrusted to her care.  Several patients sent her Thank You cards mentioning “they woke up after surgery and thinking they were in heaven being taken care of by this beautiful, kind angel.”

Cathie and Kevin where married in 1973 and raised 3 wonderful children.    Nothing made her happier than being with her kids and enjoying time with them and all their great friends. She said her greatest blessing was being a mother and wife.

Her fondest memories were of those created when she was with her family at the family condo in McCall, Idaho. She loved water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, thrift store shopping, being with her kids and playing in the sand with her grandkids.   Nothing made her smile more the just being on her lake and watching the “shimmering water.”  That was her own slice of heaven.

Cathie was so kind, compassionate, and selfless and this extended beyond her professional life. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. Always putting the needs of others before her own. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and this will continue be an important part of her legacy.

As a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and her family was the center of her world. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 50 years, Kevin; children: Rich (Nikki) McDonald, Tony (Nicole) McDonald and Nicole (Tyler) Natti; grandchildren: Alex, Nathan, Ryan, Harper, and Hailey; brothers: Bill and Mike Kelly (Debbie); sisters: Mary Krosch, and Ann Maggard (Dick). She was proceeded in death by her father and mother, William (Bill) and Ellen Kelly and her brother, Joseph (Joe) Kelly. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

In addition to her family, Cathie leaves behind a community of colleagues, friends, and patients whose lives she touched with her selfless acts of kindness. Her memory will forever be cherished by all those who knew her.

Cathie's life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and compassion. She will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know her, but her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the love she shared.

She would be very embarrassed by this much attention being paid to her as she always told us “Keep it short I don’t want anyone getting bored.”

So, may you rest in peace with your Lord, which you so richly earned.

                                             We Love You

A funeral Mass will be held in Cathie's honor at Holy Apostles Catholic Church on April 21, 2023, at 11:00 am.  Reception to follow at the church.  If you are unable to attend in person please join online at www.HolyApostlesMeridian.net. Once on the website please scroll to the bottom of the page and click the f in the lower right corner (just under the email link) and this will take you to the Holy Apostles Facebook page – you do not need to have a Facebook account to watch the live stream.  

Check caringbridge.com for information as available.

*Donations:  If you knew Cathie, the best thing you could give in her memory would be an act of kindness to someone in need or just a caring smile to someone without one.