Obituary of Katherine Denise Donald

KATHERINE DENISE DONALD On September 29, 2022 in Albany New York, our beloved Katherine (Kathy) Denise Donald (nee Cheeks), transitioned from her earthly home to her Heavenly home. Kathy, as she was affectionately known, was born to Alice Monger (nee Cheeks) and French Brothers on May 7th, 1941 in Swiftown, Mississippi. During Kathy's formative years, a decision was made by her mother to send her "up North" to stay with her Aunt and Uncle Jennie and Thomas Parker in Oberlin, Ohio, for a brighter future. This was the catalyst that triggered Kathy's years of community and civil rights activism. After graduating from Oberlin High School in 1959, Kathy began her formal training in the medical field and also attended Lorain County Community College. She worked as a Private Duty Nurse for many years and ultimately found her true passion as a well known and respected Phlebotomist at various medical facilities including LabCorp and the hospitals formerly known as Elyria Memorial Hospital and Allen Memorial Hospital. In addition, Kathy also worked as a provider for the Lorain County Board of Mental Retardation, now known as the Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities. In addition, Kathy worked as a child care provider in her home when her daughter was in school so that she could be a hands-on Mom. Kathy later retired from Allen Memorial, now known as Mercy Health-Allen Hospital. If you have ever had the privilege of knowing Kathy, you would know that "she never met a stranger." She always had that Beautiful Smile and she made you feel as if you were so important. She enjoyed baking, and her homemade pound cakes were sought after and loved by all. Kathy always enjoyed cooking, shopping, traveling with family, and attending church, and being involved in community activism. Kathy was a selfless community activist who was a member of the local chapters for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Lorain County Negro Business and Professional Women Club, Inc for many years. She was also Diligent Poll Worker for the Lorain County Board of Elections for over 40 years. In addition, she was also the Oberlin Democratic Precinct Leader from 1992 until 2021, when she relocated to New York. Kathy was devoted to her family, her community, and her church. She gave her life to Christ at a very young age, and has been a Member of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Oberlin for many decades. She was also a former Deaconess for Mt. Zion. In addition, for many decades, Kathy and her husband, L.H., were Host Parents through Host Family Program at Oberlin College, for numerous college students. The purpose of the program was to provide a support system, meals or a comforting Home environment away from home. Kathy was a Mother-figure, Friend and Supportive confidante to so many students and she impacted their lives in so many ways. However, what brought Kathy the greatest joy and truest fulfillment was being a Mother to Kevin and Sheryl, a grandmother to Master Chase and a wife to her Soulmate and Life partner, L.H. Donald. Kathy was preceded in death by her mother Alice Monger, a sister; Augusta Monger; a son who passed in infancy; Jeffrey Donald, a nephew, John Monger, and her Beloved Husband of 50 plus years L.H. Donald. Kathy will be missed by her son - Kevin A. Donald (Lorain, OH) her daughter - Sheryl R. Donald (Albany, NY). Grandson - Chase Donald Owens (Albany, NY) Two Nieces and a nephew (who were raised as siblings); Dorothy "Jean" Monger (Lorain, OH), Donna Monger (Elyria, OH) and Mark Monger (Cleveland, OH). As well as a host of nieces, nephews, Host Students from Oberlin College, friends and other relatives who will cherish the memories of Kathy. Arrangements are under the care of Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home as well as Cowling Funeral Home, Oberlin, OH.