Sister Mary Floranne McDonald, SNJM
Phoebe McDonald
Lake Oswego, Oregon

Sister Mary Floranne (Phoebe McDonald) age 91, died at the Marie-Rose Center at Mary's Woods in Lake Oswego on January 27, 2010. She was a vowed member of the Sisters of the Holy Names for nearly 70 years. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 4, at 11:00 am in the Provincial House Chapel.

Sister Floranne's roots lay in central Oregon, where she was born, the oldest of the four children of Alex and Elizabeth Hamilton McDonald. Her mother was born in Ashwood, her grandfather was the president of the bank in Shaniko. For the rest of her life Sister Floranne followed the news about that area, including the takeover of the neighboring town of Antelope by the Rajneesh. A return to the family ranch was always a joy to her.

She left Ashwood in the seventh grade to attend St. Mary's Academy in The Dalles, where she became a Catholic in her junior year in high school. After graduation she attended the Normal School at Marylhurst for a year, then spent another year at the ranch with her family. She entered the Holy Names novitiate in 1938, made first profession of vows in 1940, and final vows in 1945.

A keen, but kind, judge of human behavior, Sister Floranne taught upper grades at St. Francis in Bend; and St. Ignatius, St. Francis and Cathedral in Portland. She served as principal at the Cathedral school, and as superior and principal at St. Mary's in The Dalles, where she was loved and appreciated by the students, their parents and above all, the Sisters. Along the way she earned a bachelor's degree from Marylhurst College, and a masters degree from the University of Oregon.

Later she served as superior and principal at Cottage Grove and at the Convent of the Holy Names, where she also was a member of the Provincial Administration. After serving in these leadership roles, she joined the staff of the infirmary at Marylhurst, caring for the sick and ailing members of the community. The last ten years of her active life she spent as secretary to the Provincial. During her final years her deep faith and trust in God's will left her peaceful and joyous. She never lost her sense of humor nor her interest in the world.

Sister Mary Floranne is survived by her brothers Tom and Ronald, their wives, nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community.

Remembrances may be made to the Holy Names Sisters Foundation, P.O. Box 411, Marylhurst, OR 97036.



REFLECTION
Sister Mary Floranne McDonald, SNJM

On Tuesday morning The Oregonian ran a brief obituary of Sister Mary Floranne, saying among very little else, "She was a teacher." At first I was taken back by the brevity of the four words, until I realized that these same words sum up a beautiful life of faith, service and joy.

Central Oregon, sagebrush, juniper, wide open spaces, the small towns full of family history, informed her life. But it was so much more. Sister Mary Floranne loved the world scene, followed the news, and loved particularly American historical and political life. Her personal favorites were the Adams -John and Abigail, and of course, JFK and his family. This interest came not just as an adult.

The town of Ashwood knew of her interest in the voting procedure, and when she was eight years old the election officials prepared a ballot for her-it was pink, and after she fulfilled her duty as a citizen, they announced in a loud voice-"Phoebe McDonald has voted."

Incidentally, she was not fond of that name Phoebe. She said people did not know how to pronounce it-someone once called her Fobe. As soon as she could, she had her name legally changed to Mary Floranne, and she wanted to be called both names.

A woman of many talents, she was an excellent teacher and principal, a much loved and appreciated superior, a provincial administrator. She could sew, take care of the sick, and serve as a secretary. I have memories of Sister Mary Floranne preparing large vats of soup or stew that she and other sisters took to the Burnside Projects and served to the homeless people there.

No mention of Sister would be complete without telling of her many friends, especially of her dear friend and caregiver, Sister Peter Mary. She considered herself blessed in her loving family and their attention.

We have prayed in this community here at Mary's Woods for eyes that see, ears that hear, and understanding hearts. Surely Sister Mary Floranne showed us these in her life. We will miss her, but what a joyous reunion awaited her in heaven, where she can watch and care for us.

SISTER JANE ELLEN BURNS