Doris Jean McDonald

Doris Jean McDonald, a beloved mother, stepmother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, in New Albany, Indiana. Born on January 18, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky, Doris was a beacon of love, compassion, and creativity, whose spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

After graduating from Ahrens Trade School, she was a very independent person. She worked at Western Electric, retail, and waited on tables. She bought her first car with her own earnings - a Model A. 

Doris met her husband, Mac, of 63 years at Fort Knox. She and a cousin would often travel there to dance with the GIs. He liked the fact that she had her own car that could drive him and his buddies around!

Eventually, Doris would dedicate many years to her parents’ floral shop, Jenny Lee’s Florist, as a floral designer. Through her botanical creations, she brought joy and beauty to countless celebrations and solemn occasions alike, infusing each arrangement with her unique flair.

Those who had the privilege to know Doris would describe her as loving, honest, hard-working, dedicated, determined, and strong.

Doris found joy in many hobbies, often engaging in her favorite pastime of watching the Home Shopping Network and QVC, where she delighted in finding new and unique items for herself and her home. She had an interest in science fiction, relishing books and television shows like “Star Trek” and "Ancient Aliens.” She took art classes and used oils to create still-life paintings. She even tried to earn a real estate license but struggled to pass the exam (much to her frustration). The outdoors was her sanctuary, especially time spent on Rough River on her and her husband’s pontoon boat, where she embraced the tranquility that nature offered, especially fishing. A great cook, she enjoyed creating home cooked meals and creating lasting memories around the dinner table. Doris also found peace in birdwatching, often spending serene moments on the back deck in a swing, listening to the melodic songs of spring and summer. 

Doris was proud of her role as a mother and, later, as a stepmother and grandmother. Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and she poured her heart into raising her children, Michael T. McDonald and Kathy Molter (Michael), and later embracing her step-children, Anthony McDonald (Colleen) and Ron McDonald (Linda) with open arms. Her granddaughter, Kimberly Andrews (Michael), held a special place in her heart, as Doris sought to share her love and wisdom with each generation.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William “Mac” E. McDonald, and her parents, William and Virginia Graves. Their memories, along with the bonds she created throughout her life, will continue to resonate within the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Doris's life during a visitation on November 22, 2024, at Newcomer Funeral Home, East Louisville, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the same location.

In honoring Doris’s life, we remember the love she sparked in the hearts of many and the legacy of warmth and kindness she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the memories we hold close.