Judith E. McDonald

1938 - 2023

Judith (Judy) Erickson McDonald died peacefully on April 21, 2023 at the age of 84. Born May 26, 1938, in Denver, Colorado to Dr. Carl and Jean Erickson, Judy was the first-born child of a pediatrician and a social worker. Carl and Jean raised Judy and her younger brother David in a household that valued education, community, and hard work. Judy would carry on those values and traditions later in life as she raised her own children.

Judy attended Stanford University where she met her future husband Alex Charles McDonald. She finished her education with an RN degree from UC San Francisco School of Nursing. Judy loved nursing and often spoke about the personal connection she made with the patients under her care. Nursing tapped into Judy's sharp intellect, leadership skills, and innate willingness to show up for others. It was an honor, but not a surprise, when Judy received the Florence Nightingale Award for graduating top of her class.

Judy and Alex married in 1960, and as newlyweds lived in India where their eldest daughter, Katy, was born. After moving to San Diego in 1963, Judy and Alex had three more girls over the next several years. Seeking an inspired start for her children's education, she helped to found the Unitarian Preschool, which continues its mission to this day. In addition to raising children and running a busy household, Judy committed herself to community involvement. Judy's contributions to the San Diego region will last well beyond her lifetime.

In her early years as a volunteer, Judy joined the Junior League, which connected her to like-minded women with whom she developed longstanding friendships. It was in her capacity as President of the Junior League that Judy was appointed to the Integration Task Force for the San Diego Unified School District. Her passion for education and the health of our community's young minds informed much of her volunteer work with organizations, including Social Advocates for Youth (SAY San Diego), Voices for Children, the Monarch School, and the Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP), among countless others.

Judy continued to champion community engagement through her involvement with the Parker Foundation, San Diego Grantmakers, RISE, National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC), Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, San Diego Rotary, and LEAD San Diego. In 2002 LEAD San Diego awarded her The Neil Morgan Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement as an individual who served as a catalyst for positive change, resulting in a better future for our region.

Judy and Alex supported the growing arts community in San Diego for the better part of 50 years. She dedicated significant time to the City of San Diego's Commission for Arts and Culture, and her beloved Naval Training Center Foundation/Arts District Liberty Station. Beyond her official leadership roles, Judy loved to support and enjoy all San Diego theaters, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, and a variety of other arts organizations.

Judy was a dedicated friend to many. Her curiosity for engaging in new things was insatiable, and she had a profound talent for getting others to rally with her to support local art. She and Alex enjoyed a large group of friends and found time to travel, several times hosting full family trips so that her grandchildren were sure to experience near and faraway places from Mission Beach to the Galapagos Islands.

Judy led by example and was always happy to share her point of view. People loved her, and many believe her words of wisdom and unconditional support were essential for their growth and development.

Judy is survived by her children Katherine Jean McDonald, Ann (Brian) Mooney, Margaret (John) DeVine, and Elizabeth (Robert) Krebs, brother David Erickson, sister-in-law Joan Buechner, devoted grandchildren Hannah Mooney, Jack DeVine, Sarah Mooney, Mike DeVine, Kathleen Kelley DeVine, Katie Krebs, and Peter Krebs, eight nieces and nephews, and countless "adopted" young people whom she nurtured, inspired, and welcomed into her life and the San Diego community.

A celebration of life will be held on June 19, 2023, at 4:00 pm, in Building 177 at Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA 92106. All are welcome.