Isabel Mary (Estrada) McDonald

It is with heavy hearts, but profound faith, that we announce the passing of Isabel Maria McDonald, a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother, who was called home to the Lord on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the age of 66. Born on February 17, 1959, in Utah, Isabel was born and raised in Chesterfield (West Valley). Her life was an extraordinary testament to courage, resilience, and boundless love for her family.

Isabel was the fourth of ten children born to Nicolas and Victoria Estrada. Her early life was shaped by faith and loss; her father, Nicholas Estrada, was called home when Isabel was only eight. Her mother, Victoria, later married Jose "Big Joe" Montoya, a union that blessed Isabel with two additional younger brothers. She grew up in a small, humble home, sustained by the grace of God and her parents' devotion. She graduated from Granite High School in 1977, carrying a quiet dream of becoming a photographer.

Isabel met her husband, David Lynn McDonald, when she was approximately 17, a fact she humorously concealed (claiming she was 18, which she turned two weeks later) to secure a date with the man who would become her lifelong partner. They settled in a small house in West Valley City and began their family journey. Isabel was a loving wife who partnered with Dave through all of life's challenges. Their first pregnancy tragically ended in a miscarriage (Lord have mercy).

Their second conception did not meet the same fate: their eldest living child, Monika Jo, was born in 1982. Early in raising Monika, Isabel and Dave prioritized the quality and efficacy of private Catholic education, sacrificing comforts, time, and money to ensure their daughter was raised away from secular influences. Monika graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School and built a successful career in banking, entrepreneurship, and real estate. She married her husband, Alessio LaVigna, in March of 2022.

Shortly after Monika's birth, Isabel endured another harrowing miscarriage (Christ have mercy) that nearly claimed her life, resulting in her being pronounced dead for a short time. Following this trauma, doctors advised Isabel and Dave that future pregnancies would be unlikely and physically risky.

Despite the warnings, Isabel and Dave learned of a fourth pregnancy in late 1990. Understandably, this caused immense fear, but Isabel, supported by her husband, remained steadfast in her profound faith (Lord have mercy). In July 1991, their son, Kalvin Lynn McDonald, was born, nine years to the day after Monika. Named after his late uncle (Calvin), Kalvin continued the family's tradition, graduating from Juan Diego Catholic High School (Judge's rival and Superior...love ya, Sis). He went on to pursue a career in the telecommunications industry and pioneered a Catholic event/media company. Kalvin married his high school sweetheart, Marely (Torres) McDonald; they conceived four children and are raising three.

She delighted in her grandchildren: Xander Lynn, Xyrus Zane, and Xila Jo. She loved them so much and spoiled them in a way that no grandparent can even dream of. Her heart also held a special place for an unnamed grandchild lost to miscarriage between Xander and Xyrus.

Isabel was a strong, caring woman of deep conviction, who took her kids to Mass, dyed eggs on Easter, and baked cookies on Christmas Eve. She hosted countless family gatherings, making legendary tamales and manuelos that would cause anyone reading this to show up at her front door. She was always there: at every parent-teacher conference, recital, sacrament, volleyball game, track meet, and award ceremony. She enthusiastically supported theatrical performances such as Jesus Christ Superstar and The Velveteen Rabbit.

Her dedication extended far beyond her own children. Many reading this remember her not just as "Mom" but as "Aunt Isabel," "Aunt Izzy," "Mrs. McDonald," "Monika's Mom," "Kalvin's Mom," "Isa," "Izzy," "Chach," or "Dave'n'Isabel" (all one word). No matter the name, remember her as nourishing to all. At some point, she likely played a role in your decision-making, upbringing, or brought peace to your state of mind.

Isabel was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas Estrada and Victoria "Vicky" Estrada Montoya; her stepfather, Jose "Big Joe" Montoya; her brothers, Marciano "Rocky" Estrada, Jose "Little Joe" Estrada, Carlos "Charlie" Estrada, and Andres "Andy" Montoya; and her brother-in-law, Brett Bartell.

Isabel is survived by her husband, David (Dave) Lynn McDonald; her daughter, Monika LaVigna (Alessio); her son, Kalvin McDonald (Marely); and her beloved grandchildren, Xander, Xyrus, and Xila. She is also survived by her sisters, Elvira Rondas (Pat), Helen Baxter, and Cindy Bartell, and her brothers, Billy Estrada (Angie) and Robert Montoya (Kristy).

She is remembered by a large and loving extended family, including over 100 nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, and by the many individuals for whom she served as a devoted godmother.

Isabel Maria (Estrada) McDonald lived a life defined by love, faith, and heroic sacrifice. May her soul be lifted into the glory of our Father Almighty.

A visitation and rosary will be held on Thursday, December 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Funeral Home (1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ 85204).

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 19, at Holy Cross Catholic Parish (1244 S. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206), with the rosary beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery at noon.

A Prayer for the Deceased
Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace.
And to the souls of all our beloved deceased, including her parents, brothers, and brother-in-law, through the mercy of God, may their souls and hers rest in peace. Amen.