Florence Ella McDonald, 80, of 151 Country Club Rd., Ironwood, Mich., died peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.      Florence was born May 15, 1930 and raised in Montreal, Wis., daughter of the late W. Howard and Ella (Egan) McDonell. She was a proud graduate of J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley, Wis., Class of 1948, attended Michigan State University, and graduated from the Milwaukee County School of Nursing in 1952 as a registered nurse.      She began her nursing career in Milwaukee, continuing in Detroit and then Grand View Hospital in Ironwood for several years. While rearing her children, she remained active volunteering in many community health related activities. She was a gentle and loving caregiver to many neighbors, friends and family members throughout her adult life. She was also a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, the Ironwood Women's Club, Alpha Chi Omega sorority, her church circle and the parent association of the Ironwood Catholic Schools. She was a leader of her children's Boy and Girl Scout clubs.      Florence's greatest joy was being with her family, most especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was always filled with children, related or not, and it became a gathering spot for many memorable holiday celebrations. Her door was always open, and she especially enjoyed visits from her relatives and close friends.      Florence had a great love and appreciation for music. She was a beautiful pianist, and it was a joyful blessing to her family that she was able to play until her final days. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, sewing and crafting. She also loved to travel with her husband, getting to all four corners of the United States. She especially enjoyed her 50th wedding anniversary trip to Ireland and Scotland.      Florence is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, David E. McDonald Sr., and her eight children, David E. (Georgia) McDonald Jr., Mimi (George) Kuklenski, Mark McDonald (Sallie), and Megan (Tim) Kolesar, all of Ironwood, Patty (Dan) VanderVelden, Kimberly, Wis., Mary (Tom) Simpson, Charlotte, N.C., Jeanie (Tod) Lewis, Shawano, Wis., and Jon (Megan) McDonald, Oakland, Calif.; 18 grandchidren, Tripp (Stephanie) and Drew McDonald, Kelly (Brian) Paul, Scott and Jennifer Kuklenski, Tim and Maighlin Kolesar, Bridgette and Aaron Holtz, Danielle and Brecken VanderVelden, Elizabeth, Alec and Claire Simpson, Erik, Ian and Addison Lewis, and Owen McDonald; two great-grandchildren, Alex and Jenna Paul; two sisters, Virginia Doyle and Miriam Conley; two sisters-in-law, Eleanore McDonell and Shirley McDonald; and many nieces and nephews.      Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. Timothy McDonell; brothers-in-law, Edward Conley, George Doyle, Angus John McDonald, William B. McDonald and Joseph Boyle; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Boyle and Geraldine McDonald; and nephews Timothy Conley and Brian Doyle.      Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 13, in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. The Rev. Darryl J. Pepin will be the celebrant.      Pallbearers will be Florence's grandsons.      A luncheon reception will be held at Tacconelli's in downtown Ironwood immediately following the service.      Rite of Committal and private interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley.      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florence E. McDonald Nursing Scholarship Fund, in care of the Gogebic Community College Foundation, E4946 Jackson Rd., Ironwood, Mich. 49938.      To view Florence's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home Inc., Ironwood.      Florence will be deeply missed by all who loved her. Her family would like to extend their appreciation and thanks for the compassionate care and love shown to Florence by Caring Caregivers, Caring Home Health, and most recently, Regional Hospice.       UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HAND.