Marian passed away peacefully on May 15, with family members at her side. She was born in Mt. Angel, Oregon, on Dec. 15, 1930, to Edward and Gertrude Unger. She was a member of a family of six children, five boys and one girl.

Marian attended school at St. Mary's in Mt. Angel, and graduated from Providence School of Nursing with an RN degree in 1951. She worked at Providence hospital, where she met Thomas A. (Tom) McDonald, who was a patient at the hospital. She later married Tom at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mt. Angel, on June 20, 1953. This led to a trek to Central Oregon where Tom owned a ranch, 35 miles east of Madras.

Being a city girl, the change to being 35 miles from the nearest town was quite a shock to her system. Here, she and Tom raised seven children, four boys and three girls, who grew up to be responsible young adults from all the hard work that belonging to a ranching family involves. Those seven children, David (Lisa) McDonald, Mary (Jim) Carlson, Catherine (Dennis)Barnett, Alexander (Cheryl) McDonald, Robert (Beckie)McDonald, James (Lisa) McDonald, and Suzanne (Gary)Decker blessed Marian with 27 grandchildren, and 52 great-grandchildren. Her brother, Tom, resides in Silverton.

These children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the world to Marian. Her faith was a testament to her life. She lived her faith every day, and inspired her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to do the same.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Arnold, Bill, Jim, and Richard; and grandson, Jake McDonald.

Rosary was held May 20, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Madras, and the Celebration of her Mass of Christian Burial was May 21, at St. Patrick. Donations can be made to (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) JDRF Oregon-Maile Moo's at 7000 SW Hampton, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97223.