Kitty was born on April 3, 1928 in Biloxi, MS, and later moved to Mobile, AL where she was a graduate of Bishop Toolen High School, class of 1946. She soon met the #1 love of her life, James Irvine (Irvie) McDonald, married for 45 years until his passing. Dancing was Kitty’s other love in her life, they belonged to Mobile Square Dancing Groups, traveling the South to square dance competitions. They also graced the floors elegantly at many Mardi Gras Balls. There was no one who could out dance this beautiful “Belle of the Ball”.
Outside the love of dancing, Kitty was a huge supporter of watching her grand and great-grandchildren in their dance recitals, soccer, basketball, softball and football games. She never missed watching an Alabama football game, along with the Price Is Right. Her active sport was playing Bunco, bingo and shopping with girls. Kitty was an active member of St. Dominic Catholic Church where she was appointed as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMCH) for the Sick and Homebound. She later attended Little Flower Catholic Church. Kitty will be remembered for her outgoing personality, commitment to her family, friends and strong Christian faith which earned her the admiration of anyone she encountered. “To know her, is to love her”.
Kitty was preceded in death by her husband, James Irvine “Irvie” McDonald; her son, Richard “Ricky” Irvine McDonald, and brother, Fred Luxich. She is survived by her son, James “Jimmy” McDonald (Becky), Daphne, AL; her daughter, Denise “Nece” McDonald Carmichael, Mobile, AL and daughter-in-law, Carol McDonald Ward, Mobile, AL. Her memory lives on with each of her grandchildren; Ryan McDonald (Janet) Daphne, AL; Matt McDonald (Jennifer) Daphne, AL; Courtney East, Lincoln, NE; Dana McKean (Jeb) Spanish Fort, AL; Shannon Ladd (Woody) Mobile, AL; Sharon McDonald (Richard) Mobile, AL; Lindsey Howell (Russ) Mobile, AL. She is survived by 15 beautiful great-grandchildren; Emily, Bailey, Molly, Gracyn, Henry, Jacob, Monroe, Linen, Chapel, Mattie, Banks, Elise, Addison, Cadence and Russell.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to caregivers Kathleen Shaw and Valerie Portella, whose dedication and kindness made a profound difference in Miss Kitty’s daily life. Also, an expression of genuine love and thanks for the compassion of Kitty’s dear long time best friend, Ann Moore.
A thanks to the team of Gentiva Hospice Care of Mobile, AL, for unwavering support during her final months.
April 3, 1928 – August 15, 2025
Funeral service will be held Friday, August 22, 2025 at Little Flower Catholic Church, 2053 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36606. Visitation from 9:00-10:00 and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment following at Mobile Memorial Gardens at 12:00 pm. A reception will follow at the home of Carol McDonald Ward, 1216 MacArthur Place Court, Mobile, AL 36609.
