Claudia Lavern McDonald

Claudia Lavern McDonald, 71, of Marblehead, passed away after a sudden illness at Metro Health Hospital in Cleveland on June 28, 2025. She was born September 15, 1953 in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Albert and Doris Rowbotham. She graduated from Western Reserve High School in 1972, attended The Ohio State University, and graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. Claudia married the love of her life, John McDonald on December 14, 1974. Claudia always spent her career in the helping profession. Throughout her career she worked for various school districts, Goodwill Industries, and retired from Firelands Regional Medical Center as a case manager. Claudia was a hands-on mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, always actively involved in their sports contests and academic activities. Claudia enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was gardening, walking her grand-dogs, Bailey and Molly, waterskiing, enjoying the sunshine at the beach or swimming with her friends. Claudia loved to sew and shared her quilts with those she loved as well as community organizers to share with those in need.

She was proceeded in death by her husband John T. McDonald, who passed away on October 29, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents Albert and Doris Rowbotham and brother Terry Rowbotham. She is fondly remembered by sons: Jamie (Julie) McDonald of Marblehead; Chris (Julie) McDonald of Marblehead; grandchildren: Mia, Ella, Miles, Grace, and Ethan; Sister: Sally (Frank) Rhade; sister-in-law, Janette Rowbotham; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:30 pm Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel, 7755 E. Harbor Rd. Lakeside-Marblehead, OH where visitation will be held Thursday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. Interment will be in Sackett Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com .