In Loving Memory

Susan Anita McDonald passed away on July 20, 2026 at the age of 72. Susan was born in Daytona Beach, Florida on November 10, 1953 to Dennis Roger McDonald and Martha Baggett.

What a miracle that this child survived to 72 years old.

What an indomitable spirit!

Born into an era that considered “damaged” children as something to be ashamed of and hidden away from the public. Thank god for Eunice Shriver and her Special Olympics campaign!

Susan’s legacy was derived from hardy pioneer stock. The McDonald men were true misogynists that never realized that the McDonald women actually ruled.

She was “warehoused” from the moment she became a problem and escaped to endure a substandard subsistence the majority of her lifespan. She was a prime target for abuse and suffered through all this the extent of her life.

That did not restrain her from going out into the world to try and make the true family she never had. She had four children and even though she was not capable of parenting them, she loved and missed them dearly.

Susan was a true dichotomy. She was a very shrewd woman and very clever. As a survivor of some sadly primitive brain surgery, she had a special way of seeing through to the truth. She was also a great liar. If you ever wanted to observe a furious red- headed lady, just call her “retarded”.

She had a memory like a steel trap and could recall unbelievable details from the past.

Her sister Deborah McDonald and her long time caretaker Eva Sauceda were very important to her.

She loved hamsters, birds, and dogs. She loved fishing and eating out at Olive Garden, and ordering Dominoes Pizza. Her color was PURPLE! Scary movies ruled.

She worked very hard to fit in but also struggled to preserve her own unique autonomy.

Personally, I think the girl is headed for an elevated place in Heaven.

She is my Hero!