Harriett McDonald

Harriett McDonald (nee Randall) She was our Hero, She was our Best Friend, She was our Mom. After living a full and blessed life, our dear Mom passed on October 15, 2023 at the age of 97 at the place that she loved most dearly, the family farm in Channahon. Born on October 7, 1926 to Harry and Margit (nee Peterson) Randall, she lived and was educated in Morris where she graduated from High School in 1944. Mom married Michael "Mickey" McDonald on July 18, 1945 where before his passing in September of 2006 they celebrated 61 years of marriage. They were blessed with six children who were raised on the family farm. Mom is survived by her five daughters, Beckey (Don) Montgomery, Carol (Milton) Eineix, Marlene (Greg) Schaefer, Michealene (Tom) Miller and Maurene (Jim) Schumacher; her seven grandchildren, Amber (Ed) Boyle, Shaun (fiancee Amanda Bernard), Mick Schaefer, MacKenzie Schaefer, Madison (Kevin) Insana, Dakota (Madi) Brown and Darby (Ernie) Hernandez; her five great grandchildren, Makenna, Logan and Shane Boyle, Lainey and Dawson Insana. Mom is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends who would call and check on her weekly. Mom was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Minooka, where for many years she was involved with their Religious Education Program. She was treasured for her selflessness, compassion for others, enduring friendships, and her love for animals. Her life centered around her family and her life on the farm, which she loved dearly. For many years she worked alongside our Dad as they planted and harvested crops, and raised cattle and horses. Raising six children never stopped her from assisting with the daily operation on the family farm. In her later years, she enjoyed mowing her lawn and riding her ATV or golf cart from pasture to pasture giving names to the baby calves born each spring. Watching the cows and calves going through their daily routine was one of her greatest joys. The farm was a place for holidays, celebrations and weddings. It was also a place to gather and heal when our hearts were broken. Our Mom was the heart of our family and with her passing she took pieces of our hearts with her, but in return left her love and special memories to fill the void. We may have lost an angel here on earth, but Heaven most surely has gained one more. Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mickey (2006), son, Pat (2005), son-in-law, John Brown (2015), great grandson, Grady Isana (2021) and her brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Sue Randall. The McDonald Family would like to thank those who have kept our Mom in their prayers and the kindness they have shown throughout these years. We would like to thank Chyanne from Lightways Hospice Care in Joliet for providing excellent care, compassion and medical advice during Mom's final months on the farm. We will be forever grateful for Chyanne's guidance. Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 Am at The Maple Funeral Home located at 24300 S. Ford Rd, Channahon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Minooka. Funeral Guests are asked to meed directly at Church. A Private Burial for Immediate Family will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery in Minooka where she will be laid to rest next to our Dad and Brother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in our Mom's name to either St. Mary's Catholic Church, Minooka or Lightways Hospice Care, Joliet. Godspeed Mom, We Love You, Your Daughters.

Harriett McDonald

October 7, 1926 - October 15, 2023