Former Vero Beach Mayor Mary Beth McDonald dies at 73 following lengthy illness

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2 days ago

VERO BEACH — Mary Beth McDonald, a former City Council member and mayor from 2005-2006, died July 4 after a lengthy illness. She was 73.
McDonald was elected to the City Council in 2004 and served until 2006. She was heralded for her leadership during hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma.
"Her resolve and hard work were unparalleled during her time on council," said Dr. John W. McDonald, her husband of 48 years. "Though she served only one term, it was an eventful term."
John McDonald will remember his wife for her optimism, humor and honesty, he said.
After leaving office, McDonald was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees, and served from 2013-2021.
Historic hurricanes
When hurricanes Frances and Jeanne hit the city in 2004, McDonald's communication skills and optimism shone through.
"She was so instrumental in getting the city through what is probably its darkest hour," said former City Clerk Tammy Bursick. "She was so focused and driven. I really admired her for that."
The following year, Hurricane Wilma brought immense flooding, seemingly setting the city's recovery back. But not on McDonald's watch.
"We couldn't have recovered as quickly as we did without her," said Bursick. "She was so graceful during that time, and her communication skills and leadership were a site to behold."
She facilitated rebuilding until the end of her term, said Bursick.
"The hurricanes really are the big story of her time on council," said John McDonald. "She hardly got a break during that time because of the storms."
Long-time resident
McDonald — originally of Chevy Chase, Maryland — arrived in Vero Beach in 1982. She and her husband were establishing a dermatology practice after relocating from Washington, D.C.
The two were married in 1977, and had two sons, John Lawrence and Patrick Warren.
A graduate of FAU with a degree in communications, McDonald's career spanned more than 25 years. She ascended to the role of communications director for the city, wrote freelance for Florida Parenting News, was a speech and drama teacher at St. Edward's School and opened her own marketing agency, One Source Media and Marketing.
Other accomplishment during her term on council were facilitating the opening of Quail Valley Golf Club, Costa d'Este Beach Resort and Spa and renovating the Vero Beach Theater.
"She really enjoyed her time on council and serving the city in any way she could," said her husband. "She loved Vero Beach."
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She also was very active in civic organizations, including the Jasmine Circle Garden Club, Florida Medical Association Ladies Auxiliary and Friends of the Riverside Theater.
She is survived by her husband, her sons and two sisters, Susan and Martha Widmayer.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach. The family requests donations to VNA Hospice House, at https://foundation.vnatc.com/hospice-house.
Nick Slater is TCPalm's Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at [e-mail] and 224-830-2875.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Former Vero Beach Mayor Mary Beth McDonald has passed away at age 73
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