Jean Marie McDonald

Jean Marie McDonald, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Along with her twin brother Jack, she was born on September 3, 1934 in Phelps, New York. Jean dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her husband of 71 years, Dick, and their two children.

Jean’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family and fostering a loving environment. She was a woman of strong Catholic faith – as evident by her time and talent she gave to the Church over the years. As a dedicated wife, she stood by her husband during his career as a Division I basketball coach, cheering her Peacocks onto victory at Madison Square Garden in the 70’s. Her professional career in the Athletics Department of Southern Illinois University/ Edwardsville landed her the position of “House Mom” for all her many student athletes over the years.  She was adored by all!  In 2007, the department honored her with the naming of the Jean McDonald Service Award which honors individuals who have displayed a similar dedication to SIU-E Athletics. Later, in 2010, she and her husband were inducted into the SIU-E Hall of Fame. Before and after her retirement from SIU-E, her travels with her husband took her around the globe. No doubt, Jean lived life to the fullest!

Besides her children, her grandchildren were the stars in her life. Her and Dick never missed a football or lacrosse game of their Grandson’s let alone a Friday-

night High School football cheer by their Granddaughter. There simply weren’t bigger supporters of their grandchildren than Jean and Dick McDonald!

Jean is survived by her husband Dick, children Mike (John) and Kelly (Mark). Also surviving are two grandchildren Steven (Katelyn) and Sara Jo (Marc) along

with two great grandchildren, Charleigh and Theo, with a third on the way.  Also, two special nieces Cathie and Jeannie and all their children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry “Hank” and Martha (DesCamp) Lundgard along with her twin brother Colonel Jack Lundgard.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 21st, 2025, at Our Lady of La Salette Catholic Church in Canton, Georgia. Burial will take place following the Mass at 12:30 p.m. at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.     

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to the SIU-E Athletics/Cougars Champions Fund.  https://siuecougars.com/feature/champions-fund

Those wishing to leave condolences may do so at www.hillsidechapelfuneralhome.com

Hillside Chapel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1190 McEver Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 are in charge of the arrangements.