CAROL STRAUS MCDONALD
1934-2018
Carol Straus McDonald died peacefully on March 28 after a brave, lengthy battle against three separate cancers. A delightful lady with exceptional style and a positive attitude, she seized every moment to explore the world and nurture friendships. Counting abundant blessings, she declared, “I have nothing left on my bucket list!”
Carol was born on December 8, 1934 to Lillian and Fritz Straus in San Antonio. She graduated from Saint Mary’s Hall and Stanford, where she earned a B.A. in History.
She married Don McDonald of Corpus Christi, on July 14, 1956. When Don finished law school in 1958, they moved from Austin to Houston, which became their permanent home. They joined St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and were blessed with two children, John and Lili. Embracing their mutual love of people and travel, our parents forged lifelong friendships and globetrotted the world.
Carol was a member of Houston Country Club and River Oaks Garden Club. Honoring her husband, her proudest legacy was broadening awareness and compassion around the once unspoken challenges of dementia. She co-founded the Alzheimer’s Women’s Association for Resources and Education – AWARE – which has raised nearly $4 million and supports numerous families impacted by the disease.
Carol joins in heaven her parents, her sister Suzanne Murray, and her beloved husband. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Julie McDonald of Richland, WA; her daughter, Lili McDonald Pickard of Houston; her six grandchildren: Alex, Carol and Will Pickard and Elizabeth, Emily and Sarah McDonald; and Alex’s fiancé, Jill Toczek.
Our love and deep appreciation go to her longtime assistant and compassionate friend, Maria Eugenia Castellon. We give thanks to the exceptional team at Houston Methodist Hospital – especially Mark Boom, M.D.; Tim Connally, M.D.; Eric Bernicker, M.D.; and Jill Kubesch (known to Mom as “Dr. Jill”) – for keeping Mom in their hearts and our lives far longer than expected. We also thank Houston Hospice for keeping her in comfort and at peace in her final week.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carol’s memory to Houston AWARE c/o Alzheimer’s Association at 6055 S Loop East, 77087; River Oaks Garden Club Memorial Fund at 2503 Westheimer, 77098; St. Martin’s Episcopal Church at 717 Sage Road, 77056; or a charity of your choice.
A memorial service honoring Carol will be held on Thursday, April 5 at 2 p.m. at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.