Gwendolyn D. (Borden) McDonald

     Gwendolyn Denise McDonald was born on July 22, 1960 in Birmingham, Alabama to Wilfred Sr. and
Earlene Borden. She was the second youngest of four siblings; Wilfred Borden Jr., Valerie Borden, and
Cornelius Borden, who preceded her in death.
     She experienced a profound rebirth in her youth and never wavered in her faith. Her unwavering belief in
God became a wellspring of strength, empowering her to support her family and friends with whatever
she had. Her heart finds solace and inspiration in the hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness."
     She proudly graduated from Phillips High School in North Birmingham, Alabama, where she played the
clarinet in the marching band, filling her days with music.
In 1993, she met the love of her life, Charles Henry McDonald Sr. Their wedding day was the
coldest of the year—a frigid degrees in December—yet their home was filled with an unbreakable warmth
and love. Together, they shared thirty-one beautiful years and were blessed with three sons, each a
testament to their enduring bond.
     In her adult life, she was cherished for the warm, loving way she brought joy through her baked
goods and delicious meals for those she adored. Christmas just wasn't the same without her comforting
poundcake or her irresistible fruitcake cookies. Her lively spirit and infectious humor could make your
sides split and your cheeks ache from nonstop smiling. She always had a joke or two up her sleeve, and
often a playful nickname for those closest to her—“Watermelon Head,” “Bubble Head,” or “Peanut
Head”—showing her affection in the most loving way. She adored games, but more than anything, she
loved to “chit-chat” about everything—from the weather to her favorite shows like Alaskan Bush People,
Law & Order, or NCIS. On a perfect day, you’d find her and Charles in their favorite spot at the park,
eagerly soaking in the beauty of nature around them, sharing quiet moments full of love and happiness.
While balancing her home life with grace, Gwen’s unwavering work ethic and genuine love for
what she did—and for those she served—shone brightly. She poured her heart into her role at Carraway
Hospital, and soon after, at Children’s Hospital of Birmingham, where she dedicated herself for many
years as a Sleep Study Technician. Her passion was unmistakable; she always talked about how deeply
she cared for her patients and coworkers, and how she yearned to return to that meaningful work she
cherished so much.
     The cherished memory of Gwendolyn McDonald shall forever live in the hearts of her devoted husband,
Charles McDonald Sr.; her beloved children, Dane McDonald and Al (Rayne) McDonald; the late Charles
McDonald Jr.; her sister, Valerie Borden; her brother, Wilfred (Pamela) Borden Sr.; her Uncle Nathaniel
Borden; her Aunt Gwendolyn Brunner; and Aunt Gloria Borden. Her love extends to four nieces, two
nephews, two great nieces, two great nephews, and a countless number of cousins and close friends.
     Thank you all for loving our mom with such tenderness and devotion.

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