Donna Mae McDonald, 89, of Duluth, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 4, 2023. Donna was born in Duluth, MN on November 10, 1934 to Melvin and Ethel Soderberg.
Barbara A. Downs, 94, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Barb was born in Duluth on May 17, 1929 to Lillian (Thorsdahl) and Clifford Hay Sr. Barb was a graduate of Denfeld High School and married M. George Downs on June 28, 1952 in the former Central Avenue United Methodist Church in Duluth. Barb was a receptionist for Dr. Barrett’s office in the Medical Arts Building, and then became a Librarian Aide for the Duluth Public Schools. Barb was a member of Asbury UMC where she was a Sunday school teacher, a financial secretary, secretary of the Asbury UMW and was named United Methodist Woman of the Year. Barb was a hard worker, never the leader, but got things done.
Sharon (Paradise) Rodriguez, 84, of Sun City, AZ, passed away on August 22, 2023. She was born on November 18, 1938, in Duluth, MN, to the late Lloyd and Irja Paradise. She grew up in West Duluth, attended Denfeld High School and Duluth Business University. Her parents owned the Paradise Spur/Webb Gas Station & Service Garage on Ramsey Street in the 50s and 60s.
Passed away on August 26, 2023 at the age of 51. Preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred and Mary and many loving four legged friends. She is survived by her children, Courtney, Aleesha, Bristol and Paxton; grandchildren, Serrenity, Journie, Novalee, Kobe and Kyrie; and sister, Billie Jean. Shelley was an avid Packers fan and was always making sure her children and grandchildren were in their cheesehead attire. She was creative and had the gift of turning nothing into something special. She loved the holidays when her family was all together, her favorite being Halloween. She was little but so strong and will be remembered by her favorite saying “cute but psycho”.