Edith McDonald Obituary

Edith McDonald
Edith Cecilia Levedahl McDonald, 96, died peacefully in her home on September 21, 2024, four years after a devastating stroke. She was born in Aurora, on October 27, 1927, to the late William L. Levedahl and Dorothy Lawrence-Toombs Levedahl and grew up on Hickory Avenue. She attended Beaupre and East Aurora High School and then studied Journalism at Northwestern, before transferring to Kansas State to colonize a chapter of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She graduated with a degree in Home Economics.
She was a member of Minerva Coterie, and a Charter Member and past President of the P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter LB. Edith was both an Elder and Deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Aurora, in which she and her husband were founding members. After the death of her husband, she returned to work, including working in Public Information at Aurora University and Waubonsee Community College. Edith expanded her work, with reporting for the Aurora Beacon News and WSPY. The pinnacle of her career was starting an International Software Company with her son-in-law Barry, daughter Priscilla and son Philip K. In that role, Edith traveled internationally and was an active member of Women in International Trade. In 1991, she was named Small Business Exporter of the year.
Edith retired and broadened her commitments and her love of travel. Edith participated fully in her life by contributing to S.C.O.R.E., Earthwatch Excursions, MMI Medical Mission Trips, and the Oswego Planning Commission.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Philip T. McDonald, brother Jack Levedahl, daughter Margaret Ann and two grandchildren Charles and Joel McDonald-Zwoyer.
She is survived by two daughters Rebecca (William) Preston, Priscilla (Barry) Brouillette and son Philip K. (Mary) McDonald and son in law Mark Zwoyer, her grandchildren Andy (Celina) Preston, Ellen (Derek Dorsz) Preston, Catherine (Sam) McKnight, Ann Marie Brouillette, Elizabeth (Kate Dickhut) McDonald-Zwoyer and her great grandchildren Hanna and Simon Preston, Ben, Thomas and Margaret McKnight.
Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 2:00 P. M. until the time of the service 3:00 P.M. at the Oswego Presbyterian Church located at 1976 Route 25, Oswego, IL.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Camp Hertko Hollow for Diabetic Children or the Chicago Humanities Festival.
For additional information 630/554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com