Barbara Gehres McDonald of Merrill Gardens, Clearwater, 87, died November 15, 2008.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Robert Emmett McDonald, who died on August 2, 2007. She is survived by her nine children, Michael McDonald, Ressa McDonald (wife of Scott Applebaum), Arline McDonald, Robert McDonald, Jr., Barbara McDonald, Michele McDonald Lopez (wife of Ricardo Lopez), Maureen McDonald Michaud (spouse of Anthony Michaud), Paula McDonald Rhodes (wife of David Rhodes), Mark McDonald (husband of Lisa McDonald); and her seven grandchildren, Erin Applebaum, Vanessa Applebaum, Michael Lopez, Amanda Rhodes, Jackson Rhodes, Ryan McDonald and Stormi McDonald. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and confidant to her children.
She was born Barbara Ann Gehres, in Washington, D.C., on December 31, 1920, to Ressa Whiteside Gehres and Wilmer S. Gehres. She attended college at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina (then Trinity College for Women), where she received a B.A. in English. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II as a stenographer with the rank of Corporal and thereafter attended the University of Missouri in St. Louis where she earned a Masters degree in Spanish. In addition to bearing and raising nine children, she taught high school briefly in Tennessee where she spent the most time raising her children. Her teaching skills were principally bestowed upon her children at home.
Mrs. McDonald will be buried, beside her husband, in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, where she will receive a military funeral on November 25, 2008 (birthday of her husband) at 1:00 p.m. A Prayer Service and visitation will be held at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor on Monday, November 24, 2008 at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Graveside services are 1:00 PM, Tuesday-November 25, 2008 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 with the United States Marine Corps Military Honor Guard, to officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice at Bay Pines VA Medical Center, 1000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, Florida 33504 in the memory of Barbara McDonald. She will never be forgotten and held always in our hearts with much love.
In loving memory to my Mom, a wonderful woman who lived a full live and left a wonderful legacy. God bless.
Keeping your family in my prayers that you will be drawn close during these days ahead and stay close in the days and years to come. Your mother was very much loved.
May the sweet memories, the loving thoughts and the kindness of so many family and friends be with you forever. The spirit of my heart goes out to all the family and friends who were close to Barbara during her special life and especially to Maureen.
Michele and family- I am so sorry to hear of the death of your mom. My prayers are with you and your family-
Janice
Michele and family – I am so sorry about your mom. Thanksgiving is a difficult time or morning, as you know that is when dad died also. We are thinking of you and your family in this difficult time and our prayers, sympathy and thoughts go out to all of you. If you need anything Michele just let us know.
Love and Blessings – Denise
Paula and family – Your mother was such an extraordinary woman. She was truly ahead of her time. I will always remember visiting you and your parents and siblings in Oak Ridge with my mother. I know that your close family and friends will be of great support to you doing this very difficult time.