Edna Fay McDonell

Long-time Marin County resident Edna McDonell passed away peacefully in her Mill Valley home on June 24, 2023.

Born June 23, 1938, Edna was the daughter of Clarence and Hazel Woitte, who raised her to be a kind, capable, independent, and determined young woman on their rural wheat farm in Warner, Alberta.

After high school, she attended Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing in Calgary, where she developed her strong work ethic and dedication to the nursing profession. She maintained a close association with both the school and her colleagues throughout her life.

Following early jobs in Canada and Hawaii, Edna and her friends settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. Edna worked at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco for 41 years, earning the respect of her colleagues and forming many close and enduring friendships.

Edna fell in love with Neil McDonell, and they married in 1983. They enjoyed gardening, traveling, hosting parties, and relaxing happily together on the deck of their Russian River cabin with their Australian shepherds for the next 30 years. They had a sweet and caring relationship together. Both shared a sense of adventure. They traveled the world widely, often to observe bears and other large wildlife in their natural habitat. They especially loved traveling to Scotland and participated in many Clan McDonell celebrations.

After Neil’s passing in 2013, Edna deeply valued her friends and family. She continued annual gatherings with ladies, made plans for her next trip, and enjoyed holiday occasions. She always had a creative project going, whether at home in Mill Valley or at the Russian River that involved bright colors, especially red. She found joy with her flower gardens and in simple bird watching. No matter what Edna touched, she did it with her own distinctive style.

Edna is survived by her brother, Mel Woitte, and his wife, Gladys, along with her nieces, Marcella and Trina, and nephew Ryan in Alberta Canada, as well as various nieces and nephews from Neal’s family in California and Maine. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all.

Donations in her honor can be made to Doctors Without Borders or the World Wildlife Fund.