Valerie McDonald

Formerly of Saginaw, MI

Valerie Anne McDonald was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She lived a full 75 years when she died April 25, 2026.

Val was born on November 16, 1950, to Arthur and Geraldine McDonald of Saginaw, Michigan. She graduated from Saginaw High School in 1968.

Prior to getting married and starting a family, Val worked in healthcare. Val was a devoted mother and stayed home to raise her children. She poured her love, patience, and time into all aspects of their lives. As a young mom, she spent hours volunteering in her kids’ schools and driving to countless sports and extracurricular activities. As her children grew, she started her own daycare and continued to impact so many other children’s lives.

Val was an avid reader, a born shopper, and an animal lover. Her days were spent traveling, playing card games, spoiling her dogs, and seeing movies with friends. She even dabbled in bowling and golf. In her later years, she discovered new hobbies such as dancing, bingo, and crafts.

Val lived her final years at Edgewood Eagle and Edgewood Meridian in Idaho. We’ll always be grateful for both facilities’ unwavering dedication, support and loving care, especially from her faithful friend, Lisa Easterday.

With heavy hearts, Val will be remembered by those who loved her dearly: her son Branden Lynes (Michelle), her daughter Aimee (Lynes) Torok (Jeff), her youngest son Kyle Lynes (Chris), her seven grandchildren (Kiley, Ben, Eli, Ally, Sam, Luke, and Henry), sisters Kathy Martin (Doug), and Kim Garcia (Pete), extended family, and long-time friends, especially Sue Smokaska, Mary Somerfield, Linda Abraitis, Tom Lynes and Pat Lynes. Without a doubt, her most loved titles were Mother and Grandmother.

A Celebration of Life will take place August 4, 2026 from 11am - 1pm and will be held at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo, 1730 S Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.