Coleen M. McDonald, a woman of intelligence, love, and adventure, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, in her hometown of Robinson, Illinois, following a period of declining health. Born on October 4, 1943, to the late Otis L. Rich and Alice Evelyn (Maxwell) Rich, Coleen’s zest for life and her kind-hearted nature touched all who knew her.
Coleen’s journey was marked by a love of literature, a passion that remained with her from her successful school days in Robinson to the very end. After graduating from RHS in May 1961, she boldly moved to Arlington, Virginia, before her 18th birthday. There she began her noteworthy career as an entry-level secretary in the Naval Department.
Her professional life was a testament to her adaptability and ambition. At the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Coleen quickly advanced from a GS-3 to a GS-6, taking on various roles, including a memorable stint assigning and scheduling fighter and attack pilots during the Vietnam War. It was here that she met many of the finest US Naval pilots of the time. As her career continued, she continued to move her way up the GS (Civil Service) ladder eventually reaching GS 11.
Despite a divorce that would see her raise her two sons, William Eugene and Daniel Tyler, as a single mother, Coleen’s resilience never wavered. She later remarried a Navy Chief, and the family’s travels took them to the United States Embassy in Canberra, Australia, where she worked short-term “fill-in” rolls; seamlessly adapting to various positions, including stints as the Embassy door greeter all the way to that of personal secretary for the U.S. Ambassador to Australia.
Upon returning to the US, Coleen worked at the naval base in Port Hueneme, California, before eventually moving back to the Midwest. She continued her career at the US Social Security office in Vincennes, Indiana, where she cultivated lifelong friendships until her retirement from federal employment in early 1996. Coleen’s commitment to impartiality was such that she never voted in a federal election during her federal service.
Coleen dedicated her post-retirement years to assisting her son at Street Heat (Verizon), contributing significantly to the business’s success with her meticulous attention to paperwork. In 2005, she retired fully to immerse herself in her beloved hobbies, including antiques and sports, with a particular fondness for horse racing.
Coleen leaves behind a loving family: her sons, Bill (Michelle) McDonald, Virginia Beach, Virginia; Dan (Tracey) McDonald, Robinson, Illinois; her grandchildren, Sean (Amanda) McDonald, Boston Spa, New York; Jessica (Reid) Simmons, Phoenix, Arizona; and her sister, Cheryl Frost, Robinson, Illinois; nephews, Brian (Regenna) Frost, Robinson, Illinois; Dwight (Elizabeth) Frost, Carmel, Indiana and a niece, Nikki (Patrick) Pethel, Chandler, Arizona. She was predeceased by her much-loved great niece, Ciara Frost. Coleen’s story is one of a life well-lived, embodying the words of J.R.R. Tolkien: “The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.”
Coleen was a special woman, who was incredibly dedicated, talented and loving. Her legacy of love and intelligence will continue to inspire her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Coleen M. McDonald will be deeply missed, yet her adventurous spirit will forever be remembered as a beacon of inspiration and courage.
A Graveside Service will be conducted Tuesday November 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, rural Annapolis, Illinois with Pastor Kyle Bailey officiating. There will be a Private Family visitation prior to the Graveside Service.
Coleen’s family suggests memorials be made to the Crawford County Humane Society or Crawford County Spay and Neuter Foundation, with envelopes available at the funeral home in Robinson, Illinois.
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