MCDONALD – Stefani Kathleen

Born on April 8, 1987. Passed away August 27, 2025.

Stefani passed surrounded by family on Wednesday 27th August 2025, due to a short illness.
Beloved mother of Michael.
Treasured Daughter of Loretta and Joe McDonald (dec).
Loving Sister to James, Alexandra, Samantha & Jack.
Super Aunty to many.

Forever in our hearts, now one of God’s angels.

Funeral Notice
ST. Laurence O'Toole Catholic Church 31 Ogilvy St, Leongatha View Map

Funeral Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Miss Stefani Kathleen McDonald will be offered at ST. Laurence O'Toole Catholic Church, 31 Ogilvy St, Leongatha on TUESDAY (September 16th) at 11:00am.

 

Stefani's service will be live streamed, to view please CLICK HERE.

     

At the Conclusion of Mass the Funeral will leave for the Leongatha Cemetery.

   

Stefani's family would like to invite everyone to write their favourite memories of Stef as keepsakes for Michael and Family in the future. A box will be provided in the Church for these to be placed into.

 

In celebration of Stefani's beauty in life, we invite attendees to wear purple in her honour.

A Rosary will be recited in the above Church Monday (September 15th) at 7:00pm.

Tributes
  1. I don’t have the words for this……
    Oh Stefi, when they say life is unfair, that’s the absolute understatement of the century. You were too kind, too caring, and too bright a light to be taken away from us so young. You gave so much for everyone else, often to the detriment of yourself. You will be with us forever in our hearts and our memories.
    The impact you made on my life, and the lives of Phil, Skyler and Zoe, will forever be remembered and treasured, and I will always smile and laugh when I see a mascot in a shopping centre…..
    You will be forever missed and loved, and I hope wherever you are now, you are at peace.
    Much love and hugs to Mikey, we will always be here for him whenever he needs. I hope he’ll always remember that everything you ever did, you did it for him <3
    Much love forever and ever, Hannah xoxo

    Hannah C. September 8, 2025
  2. I still can’t believe it. It doesn’t make any sense. You are the glue, my safe space. The person who saw the best in everyone and kept us all fiercely connected. You made everyone feel so important. The big sister/mother/best friend to everyone. No one cared as deeply as you do Stef. It was not your time. But I know your dad will be so happy to see you. I giggled and thought, Joe probably needs to be bossed around up there. I know you missed him and, maybe your soul couldn’t bear to be away from him any longer. Grandpa too, keep him away from the durries. Your little man, Mikey is so beautiful, loved and cared for, what an incredible legacy to leave behind. We’ll look after him for you, and do our best. I promise to try to keep our family unit strong, follow in your footsteps, be brave and keep connected. I miss you more than words could say. I just wish I had one last cuddle, one last laugh with you. I love you. The love never stops.

    GM September 8, 2025
  3. Stef, I’m at a total loss for words. Although we never met face to face we had a connection through service life. You were always willing to chat and we kept contact even though the paths of said service life went their own ways… you will be sorely missed. Rest easy you beautiful woman .

    Mary September 8, 2025
  4. Today was a hard day. Hearing that God called one of his angels back to heaven has made my heart is ache as I type this. There are so many words that I could use to describe you Stef. You were truly one of Gods Angels on earth.
    Our condolences to you, Loretta, Mikey and the rest of your family, we wish to send our love your way at this sad time.
    There was so much to admire about you Stef. The way you parented Mikey was amazing to watch. He is an incredible young man which is a testament to you.
    No matter what life threw at you, and at times life gave you some real challenges, you always came through with a laugh and a positive outlook, even though things were hard. And no matter what was happening in your life, you always had time for others.
    Thank you, Stef for being a part of our lives. your friendship was truly something we cherished, even though we left it too long between catchups, when we did finally reconnect, it was like no time had passed at all.
    Being able to call you my friend for the last 15 years or so is an honour and now whenever I hear an english beaver calling “Alan” or hear the damn song that never ends sung by that damn lambchop or see a toilet mounted on a wall in bunnings I will be reminded of you and the good times we shared together with fondness and a good giggle (maybe even a tear).
    Trevor, Zahn, Alby and I will surely miss you deeply and will hold you in our hearts forever.
    Rest in peace beautiful lady.
    ps/
    I still think Mikey would have looked cute in Collingwood PJ’s xo

    Nicole Nitarski, Trevor Bell, Zahn and Alby September 8, 2025
  5. A beautiful kind child💜. Condolences to Mikey, Loretta, James, Alex and families. Faith Hope and Love always.

    Aileen Hughes September 9, 2025
  6. I am sorry I can’t be there to say goodbye but know you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. You are with God and all the angels in heaven and your soul is now soaring free. The world will miss the beautiful kind and loving woman that you were.

    Anne Millard September 9, 2025
  7. To our beautiful Stef I am writing this with a heavy heart, words can’t express how much we miss you. Thank you so much for being a beautiful sister to myself and Adrian and thank you for being a wonderful aunt to Aaron, Lowanna and Ryan! Darling you don’t know how much I miss you 😢 you are going to be missed dearly at the baptism too. Remember we are always there for Mickey and your whole family. We love you stef, I never thought I will have to write this for you. Fly high my darling girl 😘 love from the Daniels family

    Sabrina daniels September 9, 2025
  8. Such a beautiful soul, lost way to young

    Tony,Julie & Family September 9, 2025
  9. I’ve known you all my life, you were always a beacon of light to guide people in the direction of love. You would give the shirt off your back to anyone without a second thought.
    I remember travelling to Melbourne with mum, and us sitting outside the shops eating lunch that you brought with you, not just food for mikey, but enoigh for me and mum too. You knew I loved peanut butter sandwiches, and so you packed that. I hadn’t ever had it with butter spread as well and was hesitant but I knew it was made with love and to my surprise it was good. I would have been around 10. Every time I make a peanut butter sandwich now I think of you.
    When I was going through trial after trial with my health you were there for not just me, but my mother who was struggling to try and keep me well. You always had a bed for us when we travelled, you always had food ready to nurture us, you always had a smile and a hug waiting.
    I can’t believe your gone aunty Steph.
    But I know your in charge already in the afterlife, nothing could ever dull your spark or stop your spunk.
    I love you always

    Grace Redman September 9, 2025
  10. I am so saddened to hear that you are no longer with us. The world is as not as bright without you in it. Although we were not close friends, we would connect from
    time to time via social media after high school. You were always a bright spark, a truly kind soul, a supporter of all and most importantly a devoted and wonderful mother. My heart breaks for your son, family, friends and all loved ones. You were one of a kind and you left a permanent positive mark on this earth. Gone too soon. Rest in peace beautiful girl.

    Stef September 9, 2025
  11. The passing of Stef leaves a space that can never truly be filled. She was one of those rare souls whose kindness seemed endless, whose presence brought comfort, and whose heart always had room for others. Stef was caring in the purest sense of the word—always ready to lend a hand, listen without judgment, and lift others when they felt they couldn’t stand on their own.

    To know Stef was to feel warmth and love. She had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and supported, no matter what they were going through. Her generosity touched countless lives, and she will live on in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known her.

    Heaven has certainly gained a precious angel. Though we grieve her loss here, we can find peace in knowing that her light will never fade. Forever in our hearts 💕 😢😭. Rest in peace Stef xx

    Ants Deriu September 9, 2025
  12. Stef who needed no man to get the job done! 😎

    Your life was truly a blessing, and your memory will be treasured in my heart forever. You are loved beyond words and my friend you will be missed beyond measure. I’m a better Mother and friend because of you…. Thank you, love.

    Chelle xx September 10, 2025
  13. My deepest condolences to Mikey and Stef’s family 💔

    Much love, Nadine

    Nadine Raf September 10, 2025
  14. My sincere condolences to the family. It’s a shock hearing this news. Stef you were such a loveable person, it’s hard to believe you are not here with us. God has gained an angel. May your gentle soul Rest In Peace🙏🙏🙏

    Crystal September 10, 2025
  15. On behalf of St Patrick’s PS, Pakenham community, we wish to express our sincere condolences on the sad and tragic loss of Stefani. We came to love Stefani and her beautiful son, Michael as one of our own.
    We pray that God will bless and keep Stefani close and continue to bring strength to Michael and her family.

    Megan Escalante September 11, 2025
  16. Though time and distance separated us, the memories of our childhood together that we shared, never faded.
    Stef, were my first best friend—the one I laughed, cried and dreamed with, and grew up beside.
    Rest peacefully, and thank you for being part of the foundation of who I am.
    My sincere condolences go to Loretta, James, Alex and Mikey.
    May many happy memories give them strength.

    Kathleen Turner (new O’Keeffe) September 11, 2025
  17. I’m in shock to hear of this very sad news about this beautiful girl Stef such a helpful caring lovable girl gone too soon To be with our Lord words catn express the sadness and shock I feel when I heard the news today. Rest in peace in the arms of the Lord beautiful angel taken too soon. Love you g
    God bless your beautiful soul 🙏

    Marie

    Marie Weinman September 12, 2025
  18. Stef, we met neatly 10 years ago. Two new starters having no idea what we had gotten ourselves into, from that day we became work besties and friends out of the office. You were so passionate in the work we did and would help me to further progress at work, even when you moved roles we kept in touch and then we came back together, working together again. Our bond will always be there to match our matching tattoos, my heart is missing you, missing the quirky person that you are. My thoughts and prayers are with Mikey and Loretta during this time.

    Pranee September 12, 2025
  19. My condolences to the McDonald family. You heart must be broken with such sad news. Even though I only knew Stef for a short while as a work colleague, her aura was obvious. Stef displayed the kindness and care of a decent human being and we had some good conversations. She had never left my mind as one of the most decent humans that I have come across in my life. Far too young to leave those that are still here and will miss her, May she be at peace. 🦋

    Ray Dalli September 15, 2025
  20. My dearest friend. We hadn’t known each other for very long not even a yr and you left this earth way to soon baby girl. Im so very greatful for the time we spent together at the farm laughing at the kids being kids. Watching mikey fix our ride 😂 such a clever smart boy he is.
    I dont think you realise the impact you had on our lives and the boys life. Im going to miss our chats on the phone you lifting me up when im down, talking about the love we had for butterflies, how bad North Melbourne are (jks).
    Still have the habit of writing you a message or calling you. I still cant get over that your not here.
    I promise you we will all look out for that beautiful boy of yours
    I will see you in my dreams. You will never be forgotten my beautiful friend love you so much and missing you endlessly rest easy beautiful

    Laura Anderson September 15, 2025
  21. A bright beautiful beacon of light. May you RIP with the angels.
    Condolences to your family. 💜💜

    Carla September 15, 2025
  22. Beautiful Stef! I am still lost for words. I want to thank you for your kindness, compassion and positivity – for uplifting myself and the people in the team’s we have been in together. You will be forever missed.

    What can I say about your Mum, Mikey… she used all her life experience and words of wisdom to support those around her so selflessly. Stef had all the time in the world to give to another in need and was a beacon of kindness and comfort.

    One memory I would love for you to have – you were learning to use the key to the front door. Stef I were chatting one afternoon when you were due home, she heard you come to the front door, and Stef was ready to go lend a hand if you needed it, but she waited it out and then you let yourself in. She was so proud of you and all you were achieving! Earlier that afternoon Stef had just told me how happy she was that you had started walking home after school.

    Your Mum is such a special person, we are blessed to have crossed her path. You will always be the biggest part of her, and I will always remember how much she loved and adored you.

    Ludy N September 16, 2025
  23. My condolences for your loss. It was as an honour to work with such as positive, friendly and beautiful person such as Stef. She will be missed and not forgotten

    Marc Wright September 16, 2025
  24. Condolences to you and the rest of the family. Steph was a ray of sunshine for all of us at the NDIS. She will be greatly missed. Sending a bit hug to you all.

    Mara Stroppa September 16, 2025
  25. A life taken too soon. Stef had the honorary title of being our No. 1 and favourite daughter. She was a big ray of sunshone and always bursting with energy. It was a privilege to know her. Reunited with her beloved dad. Thoughts and prayers to Mikey and family. She will be greatly missed.
    Jeniene, Greg, Melissa Theisz and Family (Duckie – Melissa/Mel)

    Jeniene & Greg Theisz September 16, 2025
  26. Dear Stefi,

    I was literally shocked to hear you go. Slowly coming to terms … You worked so hard all your life, such a pure, gentle soul always ready to help ! Remembering your teams messages reminding people how beautiful they are ! You were always uplifting everyone, BEAUTIFUL ! A great Mother, a great work mate, a gentle friend, you will always stay in my deepest memories. Thank you for all your cheering words, warm hugs and all the help. Prayers and wishes for this beautiful soul ! May you rest in peace, in the lap of that eternal love and power.

    Nitha B September 16, 2025
  27. Stef, I’ve been at a loss of words after finding out. Uou were the big sister i needed when I met you in 2014 and help me become a better person. You brought so much light into my life and were always there. I remember our times training together and you pushing me constantly even when I wanted to give up. I remember our last time we caught up. We went to Nonna’s with Mikey and Sam. I love you and Mikey so much. I wish you got to meet your new (adoptive) niece. You were my dads favourite daughter as he’d say often. Im going to miss you so much. I love you and your family.

    Mel Theisz September 16, 2025
  28. My heartfelt condolences to Loretta, Mikey & family. May Stef’s beautiful soul rest in peace safe in the arms of Jesus.
    Ingrid Muller

    Ingrid Muller September 16, 2025
  29. Miss Stef, although we are all heartbroken at your passing I know it’s you helping everyone through… as you always would, lifting up those who you loved. It seems like only yesterday I met you grinning and so excited for the birth of Mikey. To watch you blossom as a mother was beautiful. Mikey definitely won the lottery of mothers, and you lived your life everyday for “your reason”. You were aunty Stef to my kids who loved you from toddlers through to being adults. You gave a light to the world that I will miss every day. I love you miss Stef xo biggest hugs to Loretta, Mikey and all the family

    Joanne Redman September 16, 2025
  30. Stef, you will always be a shining star to those hearts you touched
    Gone too young.
    An angel on earth and now heaven.
    Heart of gold, inspired by life and loved by all.
    There are no words that can express everyone’s pain but there are endless that convey their love for you.
    Never to be forgotten with memories to last forever
    Your kindness, passion & devotion will always be an inspiration.
    Rest is peace gorgeous girl.

    Tracy Lukin September 17, 2025
  31. Steph, you will always be a shining star to those hearts you touched
    Gone too young.
    An angel on earth and now heaven.
    Heart of gold, inspired by life and loved by all.
    There are no words that can express everyone’s pain but there are endless that convey their love for you.
    Never to be forgotten with memories to last forever
    Your kindness, passion & devotion will always be an inspiration.
    Rest is peace gorgeous girl.

    Tracy lukin September 17, 2025
  32. Dear Stef
    Ive just only heard this extremely distressing and shocking news about your departure and new journey to your next life with those whom love and treasure your arrival. Ive been blessed and cherish working alongside an amazing caring compassionate professional confident and strong minded person whom made a difference in people whom experience challenges in their lives. You are missed, loved, cherished and taken too very soon. We have all been privileged and blessed to have met you in our own different ways and will always cherish the memories. My sincere condolences to your immediate family and beautiful son.

    David Abrahams September 26, 2025