Hermosa Beach, California
Bettie Jean Smith McDonald, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, niece, aunt, mentor and friend, died in Hermosa Beach, CA on April 1 at the age of 77. She was a gifted musician, respected educator and a major figure who helped shape Alaska's arts landscape.A Celebration of Life...
Read MoreI was one of the original Bear-a-tones. I was also in the choir. 1973 through 1976. 10th grade through the 12th. I couldn't have done it without "Ms. Mac". Being from a military family stationed at Elmendorf AFB, we stayed connected through Christmas cards for many years. She was one of my favorite teachers! Such a beautiful voice, lady and a great teacher! God has gained a beautiful voice for his choir!
Melissa "Maines" Crawford
January 23, 2025 | School
Mrs. Mac challenged us all to do more than we believed we could do. She inspired me to listen to my inner chords to sing improvised harmony to almost any song, something that brought my wife and I together. I visited Mrs. Mac years later and thanked her for her encouragement. I treasure the one year she was my teacher at EAH.
Mrs. Mac, if you can hear me from above
kknow that your influences live on in many of us - me especially - and we honor you and thank you for the wonderful gifts...
July 13, 2014
Bettie McDonald is a Wonderful Teacher i have known her because i was in the Choir in School and I have watched the Bear a tone Singing in School
Lucy Odden
November 04, 2013 | Anchorage, AK
Bettie was fully engaged in the process of humanity in it's best form. She laughed with gusto, and was passionate about making a remarkable difference in peoples lives. She never settled for second best. She was brilliant, tough, kind, funny and sweet. I will always smile when I think of her and how good she was to me. How fortunate I was to have known her. With immeasurable respect, Frank Coleman
Frank Coleman
August 01, 2013 | Kaunakakai, HI
Celebrating a life well lived.
It is so hard to believe that you are gone! I still remember how you use to follow me everywhere I'd go when you were a child. I will always cherish those and many other memories of the times we spent together in Knoxville, Colorado Springs, Washington, DC, Virginia and Anchorage.
"I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: Yes, says the Spirit, so they may rest from their labors."
Aunt Katherine
July 06, 2012 | Woodbridge, VA
I am so sad & wish I could be there with all of you tomorrow but I am out of state until next week. Your mom meant a lot to me & she will be missed by many. Sorry I couldn't see you, Rod ~ take care!
Georgiann Crosta
July 06, 2012 | Anchorage, AK
I was sad to hear of Mrs. Mac's passing but am very appreciative for the opportunity to witness greatness...
Raymond Preston
Raymond Preston
July 05, 2012 | Antioch, CA
I was sad to hear about Mrs. Mac's passing. I was honored to be her teachers aide the year she retired in addition to having her as a neighbor as a kid. She will be missed!
Aimee Menne
July 04, 2012 | Blaine, MN
I graduated from East High School in 1972...when I think back on those wonderful years I remember my dear choir teacher...Mrs. Mac. Her laughter filled the "music" hall on a daily basis. Her love of teaching filled the classroom on a daily basis. But most of all, her love for her "kids" filled our hearts on a daily basis. I will never forget the state music competition held in the spring of 1972...we not only "wowed" the judges with our musical ability but, in true Mrs Mac fashion, we...
BJ Brady
July 04, 2012 | Eagle River, AK