Gladys Mathilda Mcdonald

Gladys McDonald, 99, of Larimore passed away August 17, 2020, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks.

Gladys was born June 1, 1921 to Charles and Hattie (Berggren) Swanson in Larimore, ND. She was raised in Larimore and graduated from Larimore High School. After a brief stay in the Washington state area she returned to ND and in 1942 married James McDonald. Gladys met and served many during her years of working at the local Johnson Department Store and Larimore Flower and Gift.  In her latter years she worked at the Nazarene Church in Larimore before retiring in 2008.

Gladys cherished time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She took pride in her gardening and always had beautiful flowerbeds. Gladys found enjoyment in cooking and baking for family and friends, playing cards and being of service to others. She was an active member of Renew Community Church and her strong faith was evident in her daily life.

Gladys is survived by her daughters Myrna (Dick) Thorsell of Larimore, Karen (James) Tangen of Northwood and Robin Murphy of Grand Forks; 10 grandchildren Kim (Scott) Tandberg of Fergus Falls, Todd (Stacey) Thorsell of Grand Forks, Karri (Vince) Segal of Fargo, Teri (Tedd) Solseng of Larimore, Karissa (Nate) Cole of Larimore, Sherry (Lowell) Alberts of Mooreton, Tedd (Fran) Halvorson of Grand Forks, Terry Murphy of Minneapolis, Jeremy (Tamara) Murphy of Murrieta, CA and Nick Murphy of Grand Forks; 26 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.


She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Carl and Floyd; sisters Dorothy Marien, Fern Sweeney, Thelma Rortvedt, and Freda Gratton; son Terry; granddaughter Kandy Kennedy; and son-in-law Jim Murphy.

There will be a private funeral service followed by interment at Bellevue Cemetery in Larimore.