Obituary of Christine M. McDonald

Christine M. (Savels) McDonald, 79, longtime resident of Duluth, passed away peacefully at home with family and caregivers at her side Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016. She was born Nov. 29, 1937 in Knokke Heist, Belgium and immigrated to the United States in the mid 1940's. Christine settled in Allouez, and was a graduate of Superior East High School in 1956, and later from the Humboldt Institute, Minneapolis. Christine was employed with the Duluth School District at Jefferson Elementary, the Copeland Day Care Center and owned and operated a family day care center for 30 years. She also worked at the Black Bear Lounge for many years and Johnny's Bar in Superior for 20 years. Christine enjoyed playing the nickel slots at the casino, talking on her CB Radio as "Little One," walking to Leaf Erickson Park daily with her best friend, Bear so he could pick a new favorite rock to take home. Christine was a true Elvis fan. Christine was preceded in death by a son, Jeff McDonald; her mother, Simonne Savels and step-father, Frank Munch; her sister, Rosita Savels-Bloome. She is survived by her children, Michelle Schubitzke and Mark (Beth Peterson) McDonald all of Duluth; two grandchildren, Paul Olson of St. Cloud and Matthew McDonald of Duluth; three step-grandchildren, Marty (Leanne) Schubitzke, Patrick Schubitzke of Minneapolis and Crystal (Karen) Schubitzke of Proctor; two great-grandchildren, Matthew McDonald and Blake Olson; two step-great-grandchildren, Kylene and Brady Schubitzke; ex-son-in-law, Mark Schubitzke; many other relatives and friends. The family extends a sincere thank you to the staff at the Barnes Care Center in Esko for the phenomenal care they gave to Christine "Mama". CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, in the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth, 218-624-5200.