Cheryl Lynn McDonald December 30, 1938 – September 13, 2021
On September 13, 2021, we lost one of the most steadfast supporters of the greater Susanville community, as well as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Cheryl Lynn (Olson) McDonald peacefully left this earth for eternal life after a weekend surrounded by the love and care of her husband Joe and her children. She was 82 years old.
Cheryl was born on December 30, 1938, in Minneapolis, MN, to Harold and Isabell Olson. When she was in elementary school, her parents moved her and older brother Gayle to Southern California, where her father worked in the motion picture industry. Cheryl graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1957. Six months later, Cheryl, a tall and striking redhead, married a handsome Army veteran named W. Joseph McDonald. They were wed on June 1, 1957, at St. Mel’s Catholic Church in Woodland Hills, CA, marking the first time a nuptial mass was celebrated on the grounds of the new church. They then began their married life together in Woodland Hills.
A year later, the young couple welcomed their first child, Mark Joseph, followed by daughter Maureen Elaine in 1960. While pregnant with their third child, Cheryl and Joe decided it was time to leave the hustle and bustle of Southern California for the blessings of a family-friendly small town. The family moved to Susanville in 1962, where Joe began his long career with Citizen’s Utility Telephone Company. Son Matthew David was born shortly thereafter in Susanville in 1963. The family was then completed by the arrival of daughter Monica Lynn in 1966.
A devout Catholic and active member of Sacred Heart Parish, Cheryl raised four children and several dogs and cats with a firm but loving hand. She enjoyed gardening and baking, and was a master at cookies, cakes and casseroles. She especially enjoyed having her children and their families surround her dining room table for holiday meals, birthday dinners or Sunday breakfast.
Over her nearly 60 years in Susanville, Cheryl was committed to helping her community thrive, especially children and those in need. She supported seniors in convalescent hospitals and worked in several doctor offices. She was a volunteer and then office staff member at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. During her employment with the Lassen County Office of Education, one of her greatest pleasures was when she chaired the annual Children’s Fair for six years. Later she worked for Lassen Child and Family Resources to help low-income parents find housing, food and supportive services. Additionally, she saved lives by running the Susanville Community Blood Drive for many years, and was a member of Soaring Eagle Blue Star Moms.
Yet, she wanted to do more. In 2010, she decided to pursue a leadership role by serving on the Susanville City Council. Shunning typical political spending and activities, she ran her grass-roots campaign by spending less than $100 and personally walking neighborhoods to meet and talk with Susanville residents. She won handily and served for four years. Cheryl took her role very seriously and always came prepared to council and committee meetings. She planned to pursue a second term in 2014 but health issues prevented her from running again. Still, she was always proud of her time on the council and service to the Susanville community.
Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Isabell Olson, her brother Gayle and his wife Grace, and beloved daughter Monica. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 64 years, Joe – as well as children Mark (Shana), Maureen, and Matthew (Lori), six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, nieces Stella and Dana, and numerous friends.
Services will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 120 N. Union Street, Susanville on October 16, 2021. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
