Rochelle Ida Mcdonald Obituary (1943

Rochelle Ida McDonald, 82, a longtime resident of the Hillsboro community passed away on March 1, 2026, at OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center after bravely managing and living with heart and kidney related issues for many years. Rochelle was born on October 19, 1943, in Duluth, MN. She was the second of two children born to Russell and Lenore (Ek) Thompson. Rochelle was raised in Minnesota until her family moved to Southern California at a young age. Rochelle graduated from Bellflower High School and completed business school shortly thereafter. Rochelle met her future husband, Ronald (Ron) at Lakewood Auto Parts in CA. They dated for a short time and were united in marriage on January 19, 1962. They made their first home together in Paramount, CA and started a family soon thereafter. Together, Rochelle and Ron had three children, Christine, Catherine and Ronald Jr. In addition to her strong devotion to her Catholic faith, family and volunteer work, Rochelle worked in Bookkeeping for various employers including Caffee Automotive Supply which she and Ron owned and operated in Beaverton, OR from 1979 to 1992. For a brief time before retiring in 1993 she worked in banking. She volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul, was a member of the Altar Society, taught Sunday School for many years, was a Girl Scout leader and was involved with The Hospital Guild and The Garden Club. Rochelle's grandmother fostered her early interest in sewing which became a lifelong passion of hers. Rather than a Bookkeeping career, she regretted not following her heart to become a teacher of Home Economics or Arts & Crafts of any kind. She poured herself into sewing for her family, their home and the St. Matthew Catholic Church Fall Festival which brought her so much joy. Her ever-growing array of colorful fabrics and abundantly filled button jars encircled her creative space with endless inspiration. Her love for crafting, creating custom cards, one-of-a-kind art, cooking gourmet meals and entertaining were just some of the unique ways she expressed her love for others. The memories and treasures that remain are beautiful reminders of her faithfulness, kindness, generosity and inherent creativity. Rochelle is preceded in passing by her parents, and a great grandchild. She is survived by Ron, her faithful loving husband of 64 years, three children and their spouses, Christine and Eric Erling of CA, Catherine and Dale Miller of Portland, Ronald Jr. of WA, sister Barbara Versteegh of Sweet Home, five grandchildren: Ryan, Ashley, Stephanie, Andrew, Michael and six great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and a supportive and faithful circle of extended family, loving friends and neighbors. Rochelle wanted everyone to know how much she appreciated feeling so loved. She believed she was here longer to fully understand just how much, and it took her until these final years to realize this. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Birthright of Hillsboro at (Click Here) ; a dedicated organization especially meaningful to Rochelle that offers friendship, love and hope for expecting mothers.