LifeStory

Claire Kay MacDonald (Kay)



Claire Kay MacDonald (Kay), born October 14,

1938 to Devine and Ione Bush in Lansing,

died Friday, August 12, 2016 at the age of 78.

The youngest of 4, her love of horses, dogs and

 books began early. She studied literature at

 MSU and in 1961 she married Kaye MacDonald.

They had 2 daughters, Leslee and Leanne,

moved to Dansville where she had dog kennels

 and horses, traveled the country and when

her kids were grown she and Kaye moved to

Irons, Mi where they lived in the woods by the river

for 25 yrs. She groomed and trained dogs, created unique

 pieces of art (always),read voraciously and she

wrote. Very much of what she wrote was about her love of the

 Irons area.  She published many stories in the TraverseCity Eagle, winning some awards and eventually had a

collection of stories made into a book called

The Art of Peeing in the River. (She was well

known for her sense of humor. ) Preceded in death by her

parents, sister Diane Schafer, daughter Leslee Heath

and several beloved dogs, she leaves behind her

husband of 55 yrs, her daughter Leanne Zapala

(and Richard) from Haslett, brothers Gale and Pete Bush,

several nieces and nephews, 3 grandchildren, 1

great-granddaughter and many great friends.

Her opinions and laugh and so much more will be missed by many!

Claire Kay MacDonald
Memorial
  • interests

    horses
    dogs
    books

  • born

    Oct 14, 1938
    Lansing, Michigan

  • died

    Aug 12, 2016
    Onekama, Michigan

Claire Kay MacDonald
Memorial
  • interests

    horses
    dogs
    books

  • born

    Oct 14, 1938
    Lansing, Michigan

  • died

    Aug 12, 2016
    Onekama, Michigan