Norma M. McDonald

Norma Michel McDonald, age 79, Florence, passed away April 2, 2010, at Glenwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. McDonald was a native of Walker County, Ala., and graduated from Dora High School and attended Florence State Teachers College.

She was preceded in death by her husband, C.J. "Buddie" McDonald; her parents, Albert and Renee Michel; and her brother, A.B. Michel Jr.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Karen McDonald (Florence, Ala.) and Chuck and Cheryl McDonald (Lilburn, Ga.); her beloved grandchildren, Caitlin, Logan, Connor, Devin and Carson; her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Roger Mathews (Fairhope, Ala.); two nieces and 2 nephews and her many friends.

Norma was a wonderful wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend. Everyone who knew her just loved her. She possessed such a giving and loving spirit that will be greatly missed. Many crossed her path throughout the years at the United Cerebral Palsy Center in Sheffield, where she was a teacher for more than 40 years. She truly loved all her special "babies" and they loved her right back! This was her calling, to love these children and help them achieve the most possible in life. She was someone who made a difference on this earth and affected many lives. The light of Norma's life was her grandchildren and she delighted in all their activities and accomplishments.

As a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, of Florence, Norma was part of a loving church family as well. Their love, prayers and visits really meant a lot to her and her family as she neared the end.

The family would like to thank Drs. Hemant Patel, Karl Hagler, Patrick Daugherty and the staff of Northwest Alabama Cancer Center, Dr. David Hobbs, Dr. Barton Guthrie and staff at UAB Medical Center for caring for her during her long battle with cancer. Thanks also to the ECM sixth west nursing staff, the staff at J.W. Sommer Rehabilitation Unit, and very special thanks to the wonderful staff at Glenwood Rehabilitation Center who took such loving care of Norma during her final days. We cannot thank them enough.

The family would also like to thank caregivers June Cole and Amy Wright; special friend Marilyn Mager; special roommate, Mrs. Janette Chandler; and special neighbor Mr. Lloyd Haddock.

A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 9, at First United Methodist Church in her honor. A reception for family and friends will be at Norma's home at 2217 Cloyd Blvd., Florence, after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to United Cerebral Palsy Center, 507 N. Hook St., Sheffield, AL 35674 (256-381-4310), the American Cancer Society, 104 S. Poplar St., Florence, AL 35630 (256-767-082 3/800-227-2345) or First United Methodist Church, of Florence, 415 N. Seminary St., Florence, AL 35630 (256-764-5072).