Marie Louise McDonald

October 21, 1927 - May 31, 2020 Died peacefully in her sleep, At home with family, in Hemet, Ca. of lung cancer. She was 92. Born in Seattle, Wa. After her mother died from childbirth, she was raised by maternal grandparents on a chicken farm in Petaluma, Ca. In her teens, she lived with her father, Sherman and stepmother, Louise in San Francisco.Bright and thoughtful, with a winning smile, She excelled at Lowell High. After some college, she became a sales manager for her Dad's business, Dwan Elevator Co. in San Francisco. Very active within the elevator industry and also an early member of W.I.C. (Women In Construction) now NAWIC. Marie worked hard and, in 1961, became the first woman elevator contractor, licensed in California In 1976, she founded her own business, McDonald Elevator Co. Her then retired father, husband, and son all pitched in to build offices, help develop a new elevator cab, and collaborate on new residential elevator equip. with Waupaca Elevator Co., of Wisconsin. McDonald Elevator grew to represent a number of manufacturers of both residential and commercial equipment. As a member of NAESA, she was very involved in safety and product improvement, worked tirelessly to write and promote legislation for disabled accessibility, as well her efforts in the Elevator/ Escalator Safety Foundation, in its goals to educate children in elevator safety.Marie later started a new co., Access Disability Associates, an inspection service contractor. She was trained, certified, and ( in her 60's) worked for years across the western U. S. region, doing inspections for the U.S. Govt. and others.Later in life, Marie also became politically active and, after retiring and moving to Hemet, got very involved in local Democratic campaigns, issues, and causes. She was a cheerleader, coach, player, and mentor to many individuals, far and near. In her lifetime, she was recognized by many groups and associations for her boundless dedication, deep convictions and her generous spirit.She was married (unsuccessfully) several times until she married her soulmate, John R. McDonald, who passed in 1989.She is survived by her daughters, Kimara Pyatt and Lori Lustig, and son Adam Lustig, also three grandchildren, Garrett Johnson, Kimara' son, Michaela Blenkthorn and Stephanie Meredith, by her deceased daughter, Marquette Frazier, and five great-grandkids, from all three grandchildren.She could be tough as nails but will long be remembered for her big bright smile and that twinkle in her eyes...She will be missed.