Neva S. McDonald

Neva S. McDonald, formerly of Clear Lake, passed away in Escondido, Calif., on Oct. 5, 2014, as a result of Alzheimers disease.  She was 94.

Neva Shirley Smith was born in Hudson, S.D., on Sept. 1, 1920, the daughter of Ross and Myrtle (Miner) Smith.  She spent her childhood in the Hudson area where Neva met her lifetime sweetheart, Dennis Wayne McDonald, son of Charles R. McDonald and Amy R. Edson.  Neva and Dennis were married in 1939, and they enjoyed a long and happy life together (over 70 years).  Dennis died in March of 2010.    

Neva and Dennis moved to Clear Lake in 1950, where they lived as longtime residents for 60 years, raising their three kids and enjoying the long friendships with their neighbors and friends.  Neva was famous around Clear Lake for her always-reliable morning and afternoon “coffee time,” when friends could be guaranteed a hot cup of coffee, lively chat, and cookies.  Not surprisingly, Neva’s CB handle and nickname was, “Coffee Cup.”  Neva had a great sense of humor and was quick with a smile.  She was happiest when in the company of old friends and family, laughing and joking with everybody.  

She was always upbeat and one of the nicest people you would ever want to know.  She seldom thought of herself, but would do anything for her family and friends.  Doing things for other people was her main hobby, but she also enjoyed collecting antique toy flat-irons and chinese porcelain.  After Dennis retired in 1983, Neva and Dennis enjoyed traveling the country in their motor home, especially visits with family in Colorado and California.  In 2009, they relocated to San Marcos, Calif., to be closer to family.  Shortly after celebrating their 70th Anniversary, Dennis passed away and Neva moved into an Alzheimer’s Care Center in nearby Escondido, Calif.

Neva was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She is survived by her three children, Larry R. McDonald (Maria), of San Marcos, Gary W. McDonald (Georgia), of Santa Ana, Calif., and Connie McDonald (Steve Matous), of Boulder, Colo.  She also leaves five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  

Funeral arrangements were made by the Allen Brothers Funeral home, San Marcos.  Neva McDonald will be buried in an ancestral cemetery in Hudson.