Katherine McDonald

Katherine McDonald, a cherished matriarch and devoted nurturer of both plants and people, passed away on August 26, 2025, in Espanola, New Mexico. Born on February 14, 1954, in the lush embrace of Oregon, Katherine blossomed into a remarkable woman whose love for the earth and its bounty manifested in a life resplendent with purpose and kindness.

An avid gardener, landscaper, and herbologist, Katherine dedicated her life to cultivating beauty in her surroundings and the hearts of those she encountered. Her hands bore the traces of her tireless labor, as she planted various vegetables in Dixon, NM, including peas, carrots, corn, and an assortment of aromatic herbs. The gardens she cultivated were more than mere patches of soil; they were vibrant sanctuaries that flourished under her watchful eye and tender care. Katherine was also a generous friend, assisting many in their own gardening endeavors, sharing her expertise in landscaping with flagstone and irrigation systems that transformed barren spaces into flourishing havens.

Beyond the garden's boundaries, Katherine was renowned for her talents as a masseuse. Her ability to heal through touch brought solace and relief to numerous individuals, making her not only an adept gardener but a wise woman who loved helping people in every aspect of their lives. Her warm spirit and gentle demeanor drew others to her, ensuring that no one left her presence without feeling uplifted and cared for.

Katherine's legacy is cherished by her son, Henry McDonald, who carries forward the lessons of compassion, nurturing, and dedication that she ingrained within him. The memories of her laughter, her guidance, and her unwavering support will forever resonate in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

As we reflect upon the life of Katherine McDonald, we celebrate the quiet strength she embodied and the gardens she left behind—both in the soil of the earth and in the lives of those she touched. Her departure may leave a void, yet her spirit will continue to flourish in the memories we hold dear and the seeds she has sown in our hearts.