Feb. 27, 1925 – Aug. 14, 2016

Phyllis Jeanne MacDonald died of natural causes on Aug. 14in La Crescenta. She was born on Feb. 27, 1925 in Orosi, California to her parents, Frank and Norma Popelka.

Phyllis moved to Montrose in the late ’30s and graduated from Glendale High School in 1943. In March 1946, Phyllis married Bruce Mace MacDonald and she lived in La Crescenta until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Norma; husband Bruce; brother Kent Popelka. She is survived by her two sons, Kirk Stewart MacDonald of La Crescenta and Gary Randall MacDonald of San Diego; daughter-in-law Wendy Louise MacDonald of San Diego.

She is also survived her grandchildren, Ian Bruce MacDonald of Alameda, California; Brianna Joy MacDonald of San Carlos, California; and Megan Kathleen MacDonald of La Mirada, California. Phyllis was also the great grandmother to three boys, Connor Bruce MacDonald and Brent Robert MacDonald, both of Alameda and Michael MacDonald Sandoval of San Carlos. She was also the aunt and great aunt to many nephews and nieces.

Phyllis had many accomplishments; she was the PTA president of Dunsmore Elementary School, a member of PEO and of Amaranth and was retired from JPL where she worked for many years. She was also an active member and a deacon of the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church. Her greatest achievement, however, was her role as mom, grandma, great-grandma and friend especially to her dearest and best friend, her sister-in-law Virginia MacDonald.

Her favorite pastimes included gardening, canning, baking, sewing and crocheting, teaching her grandchildren how to do cartwheels, attending sports’ events as a vocal and excited fan whether it be her son’s track meets or her grandchildren’s many sporting events. She was the beloved Team Grandma to the Occidental women’s varsity soccer team where her youngest granddaughter played.

Phyllis left a legacy of giving, forgiving and love. She is loved by many and will be missed by all.

A private service was held on Aug. 26 at Smith Mountain Cemetery in Dinuba, California where she was laid to rest beside her late husband Bruce.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Phyllis’ life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave., La Crescenta with a reception at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Phyllis’ name to Descanso Gardens, The Stroke Research Program at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Oakpark Convalescent Home or the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Oakpark and to Dr. Leland Watkins for the wonderful care given to Phyllis. May God bless us all.

Memorial tribute for Phyllis on CrippenMortuary.com.