Therese Marie McDonald (née Buranek)

Therese Marie McDonald, a beloved mother, sister, and dedicated community member, passed away on Sunday morning, November 23, 2025, at the age of 76 at St. Anthony's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in her native Rock Island, Illinois. Born February 19, 1949, she was the third of five children welcomed by Boyd and June (Nicholson) Buranek. Therese grew up in Rock Island, attending Alleman Catholic High School and working part-time jobs before meeting her future husband, James McDonald, at a dance at the Col Ballroom in Davenport. They married on November 30, 1968, and their early years were marked by commitment and adventure as they navigated James's Navy career and nuclear training program. They welcomed son Shane in 1969, and though their second son, Lance (1970), died tragically in infancy, Therese carried his memory throughout her life. The family continued their journey to Hawaii, where daughter Erika was born in 1972, with Therese serving as a steadfast anchor and often greeting James "dressed to the nines" upon his return from naval patrols that lasted months. In 1975, the family returned to Illinois, where Therese became a dedicated stay-at-home mother in Marseilles, teaching Catechism, involving herself in the PTA, and nurturing her love for reading novels and writing poetry. As the family moved for James's career—first to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and then to Marietta, Georgia—Therese continued to work, serving as a teaching aide and substitute teacher, always centered on her children and her strong community involvement.

Following her separation and eventual divorce from James in the early 1990s, Therese pursued higher education at Kennesaw State University before beginning a challenging struggle with bipolar disorder. She eventually returned to Rock Island, working part-time, cultivating a close friendship with Doug Sell, and developing her writing and poetry interests. Her heart for service called her back to Marietta in 2001 to work as a caregiver at Winnwood Nursing and Assisted Living facilities. She returned to Rock Island in 2008 to care for her mother, June, until June's death in 2010. Therese suffered a debilitating stroke in May 2018, resulting in left-side paralysis and the need for full-time care. Her son, Shane, took a family leave to care for her at Coventry apartments until her mobility issues and anxiety, stemming from her bipolar disorder, necessitated full-time nursing care. This led to challenging transfers during the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually finding stable care at Royal Oaks Care Center in Kewanee, Illinois. Insisting on returning to her hometown, she was readmitted to St. Anthony's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in February 2025, where she spent her final months.

Therese was artistically driven, enjoyed connecting with nature, and possessed a resilient spirit that defined her life. She is preceded in death by her son Lance McDonald, brother Mark Buranek, and parents Boyd and June Buranek Suess. Therese McDonald is survived by her loving children, Shane and Erika; her siblings, Constance Buranek Moser, Dennis Buranek and Shelley Buranek Flaherty; and her two grandchildren, Amy Chandonia and Helen Chandonia.