Shelley McDonald

With the same grace and dignity she lived, Shelley Kay McDonald, 62, of Marienville, died Friday morning, August 31, 2018 at Snyder Memorial Health Care Center. She was born December 2, 1955, the daughter of Ronald and Molly McDonald, in Oil City PA. She was a member of the Marienville Presbyterian Church.

Due to a hereditary brain condition, Shelley was left blind and partially paralyzed at the age of 15. Even with her disabilities, Shelley continued her education from East Forest High School in Marienville, where she graduated with the class of 1974. She remained at home under the care of her family until 1980 when she became a resident of Clairview Nursing Home in Sligo. In 1986 Shelly became resident number 4 at the newly built Snyder Memorial Health Care Center in Marienville where she remained until the time of her death.

Shelley had a love of animals and especially of music. Her most cherished possessions were her many music boxes she received after her blindness to keep alive that love of music. One of Shelley's favorite memories is of the Osmond Brothers contacting her while in the hospital in Pittsburgh and making arrangements for Shelly to attend their Pittsburgh concert. Before her illness Shelly made a trip with her mother to Austria to appreciate the music of that country.

Surviving are a sister, Rebecca (Reba) McDonald of Marienville; a brother, Ronald McDonald II of Kane; her step-mother, Linda McDonald of Marienville; a special uncle, Chuck Walter, of Pigeon and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, her mother, her brother, Bill McDonald, and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Shelley's family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to employees and staff, past and present, of Snyder Memorial who treated Shelly as a member of their family.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at the Furlong Funeral Home in Marienville, PA. Funeral services will follow at 11AM with Rev. Daniel Richter, pastor of the Marienville United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in St. Ann Cemetery in Marienville.

Memorials, if desired, may be made the Marienville Area Library, Box 306, Marienville PA

Friends and family may leave online condolences, light a memorial candle, order flowers, and obtain additional information at www.furlongfuneralhome.com.

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