Donna Galster McDonald

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Donna Galster McDonald, of Waynesville, NC, on April 10, 2024.  She was 99 years old.

Born on June 2, 1924, in Middleville, MI, to Carl and Doris Galster, she was the oldest of six children.  Donna lived a long and full life.  She was the wife of Charles ‘Chuck’ McDonald, who predeceased her by 25 years.  Together, they raised a family of two children, Suzanne and Kenneth, who will forever cherish her memory.

Donna worked as a school secretary for many years while living in Michigan.  After moving to Zephyrhills, Florida, she worked in the banking industry.  After retirement, Donna and Chuck moved to Waynesville, North Carolina and embarked on a creative journey handcrafting dolls, clothes, woodworking projects, and lots more.  They enjoyed traveling to many craft shows, selling their crafts from their named workshop, ‘Adeline’s Attic’.  She was a member of Dogwood Crafters Co-Op in Dillsboro, NC.  She was an exceptional cook and seamstress, known for her delicious meals and her beautiful needlework. 

In her free time, Donna enjoyed reading, knitting, and playing the organ for many Methodist churches.  Donna was a woman of great faith, who attended the Methodist church for many years.   She was a longtime member of the fraternal organization the Order of the Eastern Star.

Donna is survived by her two children: Suzanne Hendrix (David) of Waynesville, NC and Kenneth McDonald (Teresa) of Jonesville, NC.  She is also survived by six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service was held on April 14, 2024 at Green Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Donna to Dogwood Crafters, PO Box 604, Dillsboro, NC 28725, to continue to support all those who follow their God-given talents to craft.

The care of Mrs. McDonald has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.