Albertine C. McDonald
November 15, 1933 – June 2, 2022

Our strong-willed, feisty and persnickety Mother passed away peacefully. A native
Floridian who lived most of her life in Gainesville. She had many talents and interests in
her life: High school majorette, pianist; cook (known for her fudge and divinity); animal
lover; bird watcher; traveling; nature enthusiast; reading; and watching her favorite TV
shows (Deck Down Under and the various housewives of wherever). She loved
watching sporting events and was conversant in football, baseball, tennis, golf,
basketball and even the Olympics. And up to the end of her life, her mind and memory
were still amazing: able to recall facts, names and dates; and even confounding doctors
with her knowledge of all her prescription medications.
By retirement, Albertine was the Business Manager and Executive Assistant to the
Dean of the Veterinary School at the University of Florida. She was instrumental in the
initial startup of the veterinary school and was responsible for developing the budget
and working with legislative staff and committees during the annual budget and
appropriation process in Tallahassee. After 30 years she retired from the university.
Her retirement years were spent enjoying a good farmer’s market, traveling to see
family in Maine and North Carolina, reading and watching movies! The family had many
affectionate names for her, including Mom, The Great Ming, MingaMa or Mema and the
wonderful medical caregivers calling her Albie! Now that she has gone to the Lord,
although we all love and miss her, she is having the best time with all her animals,
family and friends.
She is survived by three children: Cindy Appleby(Barry), Cathy Koenig(Charlie) and
Wayne McDonald. Her extended family includes four granddaughters and their
spouses and twelve great grandchildren.
The family will honor Albertine with a Celebration of Life at a later date.