Audie Nicole “Audacious” McDonald was born into this world and into our hearts on September 22, 1984.  In the early morning hours of April 22, 2015, she left this world, but she will never leave our hearts.

Audie is survived by her parents, Cecile and Steve McDonald; her sister, Elyse Streater and her husband, Doug; her brother, Connor McDonald; her grandfather, Arthur McDonald; and her step-grandmother, Maudry Bridgers. She is also survived by aunts and uncles and cousins and dear friends, who are too numerous to mention and who are heartbroken today. 

We must tell you that Audie was welcomed into heaven by her grandmothers, MawMaw Billie Jean McDonald and Granny Jean Bridgers, and her grandfather, Pop Bob Bridgers. Audie was loved dearly by her grandparents and loved each one of them back ferociously. It is a comfort to know that she is free of pain and sickness and is with her grandparents.

As a small toddler, Audie was diagnosed with medulla blastoma.  As a result of this “stupid brain tumor” as Audie would say, she received chemotherapy and ultimately radiation therapy while just a little girl. The treatments that would save her life at that time left her with numerous physical and emotional obstacles to overcome.  Audie met each challenge with courage and acceptance.  She remained a joyous soul every day of her life and was always grateful for what she was given.  She loved with a heart as big as Texas – so many people and so many things (among them are the Astros and little children).

Audie was a die-hard Astros fan.  Craig Biggio was her all-time favorite Astro, and she was so proud to call him a friend.  On the afternoon before she died, Audie talked about how she met Craig Biggio when she was three years old when she was in the pediatric unit at M.D. Anderson.   In recent years, the Astros Organization, especially Twila and her small/tall friend Melissa, were such good and generous friends to Audie.  She enjoyed each and every Astros game she attended and was especially happy to go to the opening game of the season just a few weeks ago.  Look for the Astros to win the World Series this year because they now have a Special Angel in Heaven who will be pulling for them.

Other than the Astros, and maybe even more than the Astros, Audie loved little children.  Her happiest times were when she volunteered at St. Jude’s Mother’s Day Out.  Her friend, Lynn, from Mother’s Day Out shared the following recently:

“We learned much from Audie, during her 3+ years amongst  MDO and I think she enjoyed being a valuable contributor in many ways, but especially making all the friends she did while with us.    When we think of Audie, we think, not of her disabilities as much as her silliness and giggles, her willingness to help, her enjoyment and sharing of her hobbies, her love of the children, her acceptance of her limitations, her sense of humor, her delight in being a part of our preschooler's day, her friendships with not only the children, but their families, our other volunteers, our staff, her happiness when hearing a good joke, her excitement and anticipation when she was waiting for something she was going to do, and also the pleasure she received from a good lunch, her puzzlement that preschoolers sometimes cheat to win at games, her surprise when she received a gift or was included in the children's treats, the gratefulness when she received a compliment, the appreciation when she received help and even the fear that she'd get into trouble if she did something wrong, oh and so much more.”

Oh and so much more is right.

In November of 2013, the Audacious Audie was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma.  At the time she was diagnosed, her family didn’t know if she would be with us for a month or a few years.  We are grateful to have had her with us for these seventeen months.  During that time Audie was Maid of Honor at her sister’s wedding – a role that she fulfilled with so much love and pride.  She celebrated her 30th birthday at a surprise birthday party – prior to which she received over a thousand birthday wishes and cards.  Postman Rick was astounded at the volume of mail delivered to Audie’s mailbox. 

We have become so accustomed to Audie meeting and exceeding every challenge put before her, and are at a loss now that she has left us.  However, the lessons we learned from Audie will forever be a part of our being.  The love she shared with us will bring peace and comfort.  The knowledge that she is in God’s presence, at peace and totally healed will bring joy to our hearts.

Audie’s family would like to thank Dr. JoAnn Ater, Audie’s oncologist, her nurse Collette and the staff at M.D. Anderson for the years of compassion and care they gave Audie.  Most special thanks are also given to the many friends and family who were Audie’s Special Angels and helped take care of her for the past many months. 

A Rosary for Audie will be recited at 5:00 p.m. with her gathering to follow until 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2015, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2015, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you consider a contribution to The Sunshine Kids, 2814 Virginia Street, Houston, Texas  77098; Shorkey Center, 855 South 8th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or to the charity of your choice.