Judith Ann (Parker) Mcdonald

Judy McDonald, beloved mother, grandma, friend, quilter, baker, and dog enthusiast, peacefully passed away on October 12, 2024, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, surrounded by the love of her family.

Judy was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1941. As a child, her family moved around the Salt Lake Valley. Because of this, she and her sister, Peggy, were very close. They remained close throughout their lives and were a great support to one another. Judy attended East High and graduated in 1959. As a true blue BYU fan, she attended Brigham Young University studying nursing and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree. She worked as a registered nurse throughout her life. She was even working one day a week in her local doctors office as an RN until March of this year.

Shortly after college graduation, Judy met her husband of over 50 years, Edward Harvey McDonald. Harvey and Judy were married in 1966, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Shortly after they were married, Harvey finished his PhD at the University of Utah, and they started their journey as a family moving to Oklahoma. Their daughters, Alicia and Melissa, were born while they lived in Oklahoma. Their family relocated to California in 1971. Sons, Craig and Ryan, joined their family in the coming years. In 1987, their family moved to Colfax, California. Colfax was, in a way, the final destination for their family. Harvey and Judy settled into the community of this small northern California town quickly.

Judy is the mother of four wonderful children, Alicia (Scott), Melissa, Craig (Tracy), and Ryan (Lora) and grandchildren, Carley, Tyler (Olivia), Matt (Jenna), Sara, Kyle, Kaitlin, Hailey, Ellie, Parker, Boden and Miles. Just days before her passing, she also celebrated the birth of her first great grandchild, Scottie.

Judy's life passions included baking, quilting, outdoor adventures and her puppies. Judy was well loved for the many times she brought her yummy oatmeal bars, caramels, fruit cakes, truffles, and pistachio "mold" cake to the home of many friends and family. She was an adventurous baker, never shying away from trying a new recipe. Judy had wonderful talent for quilting. Her passion led her to organize quilting groups and retreats. She attended quilting conferences all over the country, always inviting others to join. Many of her friends and family were also blessed to receive her beautiful quilts. Up through her last days, she continued to quilt for her grandchildren. Judy's puppies were her world. She made many friends around the country as she helped other families unite with their dream puppies.

Other areas of service in Judy's life included her participation as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Judy served in her church community all of her adult life. As the optimistic service woman she was, Judy spent many of her daily hours serving others, driving them to appointments, dropping by meals and treats, and offering love and support to many. She was the first to invite new members of her community to join in on the many activities she enjoyed. She loved pickleball (even before the pickleball craze), she enjoyed walking groups, book groups, hiking groups, dinner groups, quilt groups, and family home evening groups, just to name a few. She volunteered at the local food bank. She thrived in serving others and organizing fun activities for all. Through her service, she made a difference in the lives of those around her. She will be missed.

A memorial service will be held on November 16, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 95713 South Auburn Street in Colfax, California.