Renee C. McDonald's Obituary
Renee McDonald Obituary
Our beloved Renee Celeste McDonald, 71, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on March 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her husband, daughter, and granddaughter.
Renee was a devoted mother, grandmother, and a beautiful soul who was always willing to help family and friends in need. She truly believed that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Renee touched the lives of everyone she knew with her kindness, courage, humor, and joy. She showed us what could be accomplished with focus, organization, persistence, and grace.
Renee attended Chicago Public Schools and graduated from Manley U.G.C. in 1967. She was a proud member of the majorettes and marched in numerous parades. In her graduation yearbook, she named Carl McDonald as her best friend.
Renee attended Harlan High School, and in 1971, she was hired as a temporary employee at the American Bar Association (ABA) in Chicago. Over the years, she built a stellar reputation for her professionalism, grace under pressure, problem solving skills, and leadership abilities. Renee was known for her discipline in meeting deadlines and her willingness to mentor others. She coordinated and planned events across the world, including in New York, San Antonio, Seattle, Hawaii, San Francisco, London, and Chicago. After 45 years of dedicated service, she retired as the Director of Meetings & Travel at the ABA
In 2003, after a 30-year friendship, Renee reunited with and married her middle and high school sweetheart, Carl McDonald. Together, they built a loving home in Hammond, Indiana, a place of refuge and support for their children and grandchildren, always open to family in times of need.
Following her retirement from the ABA, Renee launched her own real estate business, Little Big House Properties, LLC, where she collaborated with her husband's construction company to renovate homes. She registered her company with the United States Minmicy Contractors Association (USMCA) and became a charter member for the state of Indiana.
Renee had a love for life and a passion for the things that brought her joy. She adored anything with a cheetah print, enjoyed shopping on QVC, and loved watching CSI, WWE, stand-up comedy, and anime dramas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Glmia Woods, and her brothers, Prescott Woods and Carlos Woods.
Renee isSU1vived by her loving husband, Carl McDonald; her children: Sundae Robinson- Medina (Ricardo Medina) and Jamaal Bell; and her cherished grandchildren: Neice Gray, Angel Heredia, Jeremiah Bell, and Elizabeth Bell
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