Kristin Jill McDonald's Obituary
Kristin Jill McDonald, 60, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was born July 16, 1965, in Chicopee, Massachusetts, to Don and Patricia (Meerdink) Kauer.
Kristin was a twenty-nine-year member of Fellowship Bible Church, where she helped spearhead a Women’s Ministry that would flourish for years to come. Kristin led Bible studies and poured into countless women with wisdom, warmth, and encouragement. Kristin also volunteered with Loving Choices, serving women and families in Northwest Arkansas with compassion and grace.
She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Saint Rose University in Albany New York, and though she did not practice professionally, she used her gifts to counsel, encourage, and serve others in meaningful ways throughout her life.
Kristin’s creativity, joy, and zest for life shone brightly in so many ways. Nowhere was that more evident than in her cherished role as “Mimi” to her beloved grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 34 years, Tom McDonald; her three children, Justin McDonald, Meghan Bennett, and Mitch McDonald; their spouses, Maggie McDonald, Rick Bennett, and Sarah McDonald; and her treasured grandchildren, Ivy Drew McDonald, Harvey McDonald, and Brooks Bennett, with another McDonald grandchild joyfully expected in the coming days. She is also survived by her sister, Susan Miller; her mother, Patricia Hurd; her father, Don Kauer; her stepmother, Sue Kauer; her stepsister, Sarah Van Drunen and her husband, Mark Van Drunen; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, February 27, 10:30am at Fellowship Bible Church in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Celebrate Recovery through Fellowship Bible Church (please select “Fayetteville CR” in the designated fund section).
https://fellowshipnwa.org/page/1775
To sign the online guest book, please visit https://www.bernafuneralhome.com
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