Harriet McDonald

McDonald, Harriet Ruth of Golden Valley, age 86, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, June 21, after living with Alzheimer's disease for eighteen years. She is preceded in death by husband, Gordon "Gordy" McDonald; sister, Luella Adeski; brother, Charles "Buddy" Orrben; nephew, Curtis Orrben; and parents, Arthur and Marie Orrben. She is survived by loving children, Shelley, Mark (Melanie), and Casey; and granddaughters, Jessica and Brittany. She was surrounded by wonderful caregivers Kristen Krenz, Mary Brooks, Lori Needels, Marcia Olson, Kate Scanlan, Darlene Zachow, Ashford and Anja Kroll, and Jen Van Oss. She received never ending encouragement and support from Dr. Richard Beck, Nurse Ann and Lab Tech Ice. Born in Minneapolis, Harriet was the Orrbens' third child. She attended Bremer Elementary School and Jordon Junior High. She graduated from North High School in 1941, where she was Class Treasurer and a member of the National Honor Society. She later attended night school at the University of Minnesota and completed the Comptometer course at the Minnesota School of Business. Harriet worked at Dayton's department store, Brown Photo Company and Grain Belt Brewery. She was a member of Broadway Bar's women's bowling team. Harriet married the love of her life, Gordon McDonald on October 21, 1950 at St. Bridget's Church in North Minneapolis. The newlyweds drove their new convertible Oldsmobile to Mexico City on an adventurous month-long honeymoon. Harriet and her husband opened their first liquor store in Northeast Minneapolis in 1951. She is presently the owner of McDonald's Liquor Store in South Minneapolis. She worked in the payroll department at Greyhound Bus Company until they began having children. Harriet cared tirelessly for her family, especially her husband, a disabled veteran of World War II. She spent summers with her family at the cabin they built on Gull Lake in 1960. There she entertained friends and neighbors for decades, famously knocking on the table to censor any overly boisterous language, to the delight of her guests. A charming, generous, witty woman with many lifelong friends, Harriet loved dining out, playing bridge, and throwing elaborate parties. Known as an excellent cook, she especially enjoyed hosting holiday meals and children's birthdays. Harriet had a keen eye for fashion and style but shied from compliments, preferring to draw attention to the best qualities in others. A protective parent, loyal friend, and patient listener, Harriet always insisted that peopled be treated with fairness and respect. Harriet lived her life with dignity and grace until the very end, and all who knew her were fortunate to have had such a loving, elegant and courageous lady in their lives. Visitation 4-7 PM, Wednesday, June 24 (TODAY) at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, West 50th St. & Vernon Ave. at Hwy 100. Funeral Service 10 AM, Thursday, June 25 at Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel "Historic Fort Snelling" at Hwy 5 & Hwy 55, (take Bloomington Rd. exit off Hwy 55). Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Harriet McDonald

June 24, 2009

Tributes

Harriet McDonald

June 24, 2009

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