Obituary of Rachel Renee McDonald
Rachel Renee Giznsky was born on July 25, 1983 in Monroe, Michigan. She was the eldest of three children born to William E. and Connie Sue (Pierce) Giznsky Jr. She attended Monroe High School.
A young mother, Rachel, worked hard to support her children. She thoroughly enjoyed interacting with her customers as a bartender at Monroe Sports Center and Mugsy’s restaurant. Rachel found true happiness when she met the love of her life: Michael McDonald. The two were joined in marriage at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Southgate, Michigan on May 20, 2017. Rachel and Mike were true soulmates and enjoyed a wonderful four years of marriage.
A wandering spirit, Rachel never hesitated to take off on a spontaneous trip. She once surprised her parents at their cabin in Northern Michigan at Midnight and had everyone playing card games until 4 o’clock in the morning! Her travels took her to the casinos of the Las Vegas Strip, the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, the beaches of South Carolina, and beyond. You never knew where you would end up when vacationing with Rachel. On a trip to Georgia with her mother, she managed to stumble onto the set of the television show “Sweet Magnolias”, which they both loved and watched together. Rachel also enjoyed cruises through the Caribbean with her husband and treated her children to a memorable trip to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Florida.
Halloween was Rachel’s favorite holiday and her home was decorated inside and out every October. She hosted elaborately themed parties for her friends and family for every occasion. Watching as her loved ones enjoyed the festivities she prepared fulfilled Rachel’s heart. She also enjoyed baking with her daughter and watching television with her family. Judge Judy (who resembled her grandmother according to Rachel), Sons of Anarchy, Gotham, and Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel were all favorites. Rachel frequently subbed for her mother’s Bunko group and the two had plans to put together their own club. Her many Chihuahuas were always under foot, particularly “Lexi” whom she was especially close to.
Rachel Renee Giznsky, age 38, of Monroe, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 3, 2021 surrounded by her family. Rachel was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents: William and Nancy Ann Giznsky Sr.; maternal grandparents: Arnold and Phyllis Fortner and Dennis Pierce; aunts: Jennifer Liford and Adair Liford; and uncle: Gary Fortner and Creg Liford.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband: Michael McDonald; son: Lucas Burns; daughter: Kaelah Burns; parents: William and Connie Giznsky Jr.; sister: Melissa Giznsky (Joe Fatica); brother: William E. Giznsky III (Kelcie); former sister in-law: Chelsea Anteau; nieces: Madison and Bella Giznsky whom she loved like her own children; father and mother in-law: Bob and Diane McDonald; special aunts: Vickie (Gary) Werner and Kimmy Fortner (Tony Oley); many cousins, including Tim Werner, Dan Werner, and Joey Fortner with whom Rachel grew up with and remained very close to; and canine companions: Chihuahuas, “Lexi” “Nomi” and “Toby”.
Friends may gather on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 1:00pm–4:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Rachel’s Life officiated by Pastor Rick Massingill will follow at 4:00pm also at Merkle’s.
In Lieu of flowers Memorials are suggest to https://gistinfo.org/. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
