Betty McDonald passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, in The Villages, Florida, at the age of 81. She was surrounded by love in her final moments, with her devoted husband, Pat, by her side.

Born on September 30, 1943, in Yakima, Washington, Betty was the beloved daughter of Albert F. Brockelman (1914–2013) and Esther Sophie Ernestine Brockelman (née Pasche) (1914–1993). The only daughter among four children, she was preceded in death by her brothers Dean A. Brockelman (1938–2011) and John Arthur Brockelman (1942–1993), and is survived by her younger brother, David Brockelman (b. 1947).

On September 7, 1968, Betty married the love of her life, Patrick McDonald. Together they shared 56 years of marriage — a union grounded in love, mutual respect, and the joy of raising a close-knit family.

Betty is survived by her husband Pat; her three sons, John (Tamara), Jeff (Amanda), and Jason (Hillary); and her ten beloved grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy. Her legacy of love, grace, and steady presence lives on in each of them.

Betty and Pat retired to The Villages, Florida from Indiana in 2002, where they quickly became known as enthusiastic participants in community life. The couple were active members of nearly 20 organizations and clubs, and their shared love of dancing often made them the stars of the evening — taking first prize in dance competitions at social events and delighting friends with their effortless rhythm and joy.

Betty was a woman of quiet strength and deep compassion, known for her thoughtful presence and unwavering kindness. She also had a strong relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and her family and loved ones take comfort in the promise of being reunited with her again.

A celebration of life event will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 14 ^th , at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 4886 County Road 472, Oxford, Florida. Friends and family are warmly invited to gather and honor the life of a woman who gave so generously of herself.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Betty's memory to Amazing Grace's Early Childhood Learning Center, or to Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, Florida — two places that reflect her deep care for others and her enduring faith.

She will be remembered always — as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and faithful servant of Christ — and deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.