Linda Lou "Penny" McDonald

Linda Lou McDonald, known affectionately as “Grandma Lou,” passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, in South Beloit, Illinois, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 25, 1944, in Urbana, Illinois, Linda brought light and warmth into the lives of all who knew her.

Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry, with whom she shared 62 wonderful years of love and adventure. Together, they raised three daughters: Tina (John), Michelle, and Kirsten (Tom). “Grandma Lou” also leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren—Erica, Cassandra, Heather, Robert, Cymon, Nolin, Georgia, Adeline, and Charlotte—and eleven great-grandchildren, who brought her boundless joy. She is also survived by her dear sister Charlene and several nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Georgia, her brother, Charles, and her precious granddaughter, Jessica.

Throughout her life, Linda wore many hats, including working in the insurance industry and at a doctor’s office, where her warmth and kindness touched countless lives. In retirement, she and Jerry enjoyed traveling in their RV, exploring new places and making friends everywhere they went, always with their dogs by their side—including her beloved Cocoa and Penny, who remained steadfast companions to Linda until the very end. A natural conversationalist, Linda could strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone, and her warmth and friendliness made her easy to like.

Linda’s legacy of devotion and resilience lives on in the hearts of her family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held on November 21 at The Church by the Side of the Road, 500 S Blackhawk Blvd, in Rockton, Illinois. Family and friends are invited to gather from 4-6 p.m., with a service beginning at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to Linda’s heart, in support of cancer research and treatment.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?frequency_selected=0&dedication=1&sc_dcm=58700008796758862&sc_cid=kwp&sl=memorial-gift&ds_rl=1285465&ds_rl=1291300&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADuyZN72tlZNBMxjo6ZxrPcMtLfjg&gclid=Cj0KCQiA88a5BhDPARIsAFj595g4E0tQtCY2Z_dLVHPxcA_eQUuC3JdlaX6C2Ni0JrHePS8MUvBH8wAaAv2LEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

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