Helen McDonald

Helen Anne McDonald (married Peters) passed away on December 22, 2024, in Livonia, Michigan, at the age of 81. She was surrounded by her family as "Amazing Grace" played, a fitting tribute to a life defined by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to love.

Born in 1943 in Battle Creek, Michigan, Helen spent her formative years on the east side of Detroit. She attended St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic School in Grosse Pointe Park and earned a scholarship to Mount St. Mary's in Nashua, New Hampshire. There, she flourished academically and socially - her kindness, adventurous spirit, and buoyant sense of humor leaving a lasting impression on friends. She excelled as Class President and Yearbook Editor and was energetically involved in school organizations like the National Honor Society, Drama Club, Glee Club, and Future Teachers of America.

Helen went on to study English and education at the University of Detroit, where she participated in Angel Flight and considered careers in teaching or journalism. Though she ultimately dedicated herself to raising her family and nurturing a home filled with warmth and curiosity, her passion for writing and social justice never waned.



A lifelong advocate for equality and human dignity, Helen worked with the Interfaith Center for Racial Justice for years. During the Detroit Riots of 1967, she and her husband opened their home to a family who had lost theirs to fire-a testament to her boundless empathy. She remained an active member of Christian Family Movement (CFM), bringing faith into action through programs like clown liturgy for incarcerated individuals, Meals on Wheels outreach, church musicals, and founding the church's first women's group.



Helen's activism extended far beyond her immediate community. Whether traveling to Washington D.C. with her son to protest the Iraq War or joining the Raging Grannies in their fight for civil rights, she lived her convictions fearlessly. Her belief in justice was not just spoken but lived and woven into the acts of kindness she extended.



At home, Helen delighted in creating spaces where people felt welcome. She infused daily life with music, art, literature, and spontaneous adventures like picnics in the park or road trips leading to unexpected wonders, especially to her cherished love, the ocean.



Helen's life was not without its challenges, but through it all, she loved deeply and was loved in return. Love can take many forms-sometimes unexpected, sometimes difficult, sometimes obscured - and for any of us who knew Helen, there were times when it was complicated to understand her love and make sense of all that happened. There were times it seemed the difficulties meant one had to walk away and distance, but in fact, closing off was the easier path to take. To maintain open arms even amidst fear, confusion, and hurt is the harder path. But it wasn't hard for Helen. She never lost the ability to love under any circumstance and her love was a steadfast presence regardless. Those who knew her felt that presence and continue to carry it within them.



Helen is survived by her five children, Christina (Jennifer Parello) Peters, Charles Peters, Craig Peters, Carolyn Peters, and Clark Peters; her sisters, Mary (McDonald) Davis and Connie McDonald; her three grandchildren, Elizabeth Peters, Judson Kuhrman, and Samuel Kuhrman; and her former husband, Marty (Kathy Walsh) Peters. She is preceded in death by her parents John McDonald and Constance McDonald (Cross) and further survived by other relatives and friends.



Helen's journey was complex, as life often is, but she leaves behind memories that will endure in the hearts of those who knew her. May her memory bring comfort and peace to all who mourn her passing.