Judith "Judy" McDonald

Judith Ann McDonald, age 84, maiden name Schall, formerly Goodwin, born October 1, 1941, at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on January 13, 2026.  The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Amanda; Kirsten; and Felicia of Family Hospice of Belleville and to Kristi Gagnon (Tom) who provided endless compassion, support, and nursing care with incredible love and kindness.

While she was proceeded in death by many beloved family and friends, some of the roles Judy held most dear were as the cherished daughter of Lillian Schall; beloved niece of Doris Harpstreith and Marilyn Bowlin; life-long friend of Diane Neukam; and sister-in-law of Tim Nunnally. 

She is survived by her brother, Robert Schall; sister-in-law, Shelia Nunally; sister-in-law, Valeria Dudley (Tom); dearest friend Bernie Hosp (Barry); daughter, Brenna Henson;  grandson, Jacob Goodwin;  great-granddaughter, Lillian Poe Glick;  Goddaughter Judy Peterson (Tony);  nephew Craig Nunnally (Christine); niece Carrie Conaway (Kris); nephew Brad Nunnally (Kim); nephew Greg Hosp (Chris); niece Tammy Goersch (Dean); and many adored great-nieces and nephews all of whom could give honest testimony as to why they were the “favorite”. 

Her father served in the military, affording her life experiences and travel stories she would often share like the sloths in the trees of their backyard in Panama and the deepest snow she had ever seen in Alaska.  Judy shared an unbreakable bond with her mother Lillian and cared for her diligently in her illness and eventual passing and deeply loved her brother Bob, to whom she provided absolute selfless, unconditional love her entire life.  She was forever grateful that Bob gifted her with two amazing, strong sisters-in-love Shelia and Val. 

Judy was a lover of books, a lover of animals, and most importantly, a fiercely powerful lover of the people God placed in her life.  Judy was quick to rescue others from trouble, quick to resolve differences, quick to forgive, and offered an amazing example of unconditional love in action. 

She spent most of her professional life as an Executive Assistant with Sauget Enterprises, taking great pride in her role within the multifaceted business as it grew over the years.  Whether it was tickets to a concert or sporting event; weekends at Lake of the Ozarks; job opportunities; or even shutting down a nightclub to host a Junior High School graduation party; Judy utilized her connections, knowledge, and contacts to give countless memories, experiences, and opportunities to those she loved.  

Judy was married in her younger years to a man whose greatest kindness was to provide her with her lifelong friend of 56 years, Bernie, and her only child, Brenna proving that even out of challenging circumstances grow great blessings.  Much later in life, she would marry Lloyd James McDonald, who in contrast, showered her with many kindnesses during their brief marriage up until his passing.  (ILY Jim)

Judy’s daughter Brenna was born on her birthday and often joked that she didn’t need gifts as she had already received the best one.  In reality, Brenna “gifted” her with many troubles and joys, through all of which she stood fiercely by her side, loving her endlessly and unconditionally. 

Although Brenna was biologically an only child, Judy would often speak in reference to two daughters, referring to her beloved Goddaughter and namesake “Little” Judy, who may actually have been the “favorite” daughter.  She also held so dear her love for her “other” children Craig, Carrie, Brad, Greg, and Tammy over the years.  She was a fiercely protective AJ and was always ready to keep a secret, bail out of trouble, send encouragement, or share a helpful tidbit of information. 

For all the love Judy had and gave in her life, there was none greater than her one and only, her grandson, her Jacob, her Jacobo.  While she had a knack for making everyone feel they were the “favorite”… this was her one true love.  Her absolute favorite thing in life.  Affectionately known as DukDuk to all who would know her through him, she cherished this role in her life above all other things.  No one brought more joy, smiles, laughter, love and happiness than him. 

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”  Unknown- found in Judy’s handwriting in one of her books.

We love you Judy, Mom, AJ, DukDuk. Thank you for the memories and thank you for revealing the unconditional love of God through your example. 

“We love because He first loved us” 1 John 4:19

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LittleFreeLibrary.org, Family Hospice of Belleville, or Belleville Humane Society. 

Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary Chapel, Fairview Heights, IL.

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