Marilyn McDonald, 89, passed away peacefully at her home on February 9, 2023.

A native-born and lifelong resident of San Francisco, she was a kind-hearted and generous person beloved by all who were fortunate enough to meet her.  She was often approached and stopped in public by someone who recognized her from when they knew her years ago, because she left an impression on them that they never forgot and they still had warm feelings for her years later.  That's the kind of person she was.  Even this past year, when she was battling a terminal cancer and had to endure various trips to the hospital, every nurse who helped her would always comment on how happy and upbeat she was, and how much of joy it was to be around her.

The youngest of six siblings, Marilyn was born in 1933 and grew up in the Bernal Heights district of San Francisco, in a home she would live in her entire life.  After graduating from Balboa High School she found employment as a keypunch operator when she was young, working full time in that position at City Hall for the city of San Francisco.  Following the end of the Korean War she met a returning U.S. sailor, William McDonald, who she fell in love with and married in 1954; they would stay married until he passed away 66 years later, in 2020.  When her children came along she made a decision to set aside her career aspirations so that she could stay home and focus full time on raising them, a selfless act indicative of the kind of mother she was.  She raised two daughters, Karen and Susan, and a son, Bryan, and was there for them whenever they needed her, right up until her very last day.

In addition to her three children she is survived by three young grandsons, each of which brought great happiness to her life.   She held each grandchild in her arms the day after their births, and volunteered herself as daycare for them several days a week, every week, when they were very young.  

Marilyn was a humble person, never wanting a "fuss" made over her, no matter what the reason.  Unsurprisingly she didn't even want a big deal made over her death, requesting a simple cremation with no services. Her wishes are respected, there will be no ceremony.  Those who knew and loved her, however, are encouraged to celebrate her life by talking about her and reminiscing on special moments and memories.  

After a lifetime of kindness and generosity Marilyn will never be forgotten. 

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