Keeping up with past and present happenings in a remarkable small town.
Sunday, February 02, 2020
Miss USA ~ 1971
Michele McDonald
Our Butler Beauty
Photo: Miss Universe Organization †23 January 2020 Obituary
31 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I never knew this. I looked up the information on line and found that Michele was also the youngest Miss USA and the first red-head to be crowned. Another proud peice of history for our little town!
Well, don't know much about Michele's adult days, but it seems those of some posters are angry,bittersweet times. Maybe filled with some envy?
Michele was a nice fellow Knoch High student, strikingly taller than her beau who QBed the Knights football team, and proportioned appropriately according to beauty pageant guidelines. Let's just say, she had nice "guidelines." But not notably better than many of those fresh-faced farm girls who hung out in the halls of that Saxonburg school. And Michele was always nice to us peons. Heck, we didn't think much of the fact she'd been crowned Miss Saxonburg @ the local fireman's carnival ...until a year later, nearly to the week as I recall, when there she was ...Miss USA. We were proud of her then, and now.
Quit being so catty. Thanks for a nice bragging point for all aging Knoch Knights, Michele! Here's hoping your well and happy.
btw, Michele had a sister (or 2 maybe) who were just as pretty and nice. And I do not remember Michele's hair as being "red." Definitely not! Maybe auburn on one of those rare days when the sun was shining on Dinnerbell Road ... or the peroxide highlighting had gotten away from her the night before.
I was in the 7th grade at Knoch when Michele was crowned Miss USA. She was still technically a high school senior when she won the pageant. She was none of the nasty things being posted here. She was very nice to everybody, even the stupid 7th graders.
When I was little Michele was my baby sitter. She was wonderful. When I was a young teen Michele was crowned Miss USA. When she came home my mother and I went to her family home and helped her aunt clean as the family had so much goining on and that's what friends and neighbors do. While we were there her aunt picked up her crown and said try it on. That was a very special moment in my life. Michele was and as far as I know still a wonderful person, always seeing the best in everyone. Never critical. She did not get involved in drugs as some are claiming and I believe she is very much alive. If I remember correctly Michele was crowned Miss USA on her fathers birthday. My family were friends and neighbors with the McDonald family. They were wonderful people. Those that are saying ugly things about Michele or her family clearly have their own problems that should be tended to. I feel sorry for them.
For all you bloggers who seem to have a fascination with my life, I am very much alive. I am not, nor have have I ever been involved in drugs or orgies as stated on this blog. For your information, I live a quiet life; Raised two wonderful children and currently work in the health care industry.For the bloggers who have negative comments, why haven't you signed your true name? It is apparent, you never knew me nor my family on a personal level. Only a coward would hide behind anonymous!!! For those who defended me and knew me on a personal level thank you for your support. Michele Mcdonald Boeke former Butler County resident
i just read this about michele michele is my best girlfriend for over 20 years now !! and i can tell u this she is not what this blog is saying not at all !!! the people that wrote nasty things about her should be ashamed of themselves !!! michele is a very caring and kind person :) and why wont u people leave your name ? instead of hiding? michele ilove u girlfriend !!!!
A personal note for you, Michele -- If you would rather have me remove this entry in the blog all the comments, because it has certainly caused you some hurt, please let me know and I will delete it. Charles Cingolani clcing@web.de
Hello Charles, I'd rather you leave the blog on. This way people can see that I am very much alive and doing very well.It's really sad that people have to be mean and say unkind words about me who have no idea who I am. Thank you
That is a PERFECT statement. I've unfortuately lived in Butler my whole life. My kids are almost through high school and they and I both cant wait to move out of this NASCAR, WALMART, McDonalds driven town. The City years ago allowed HUD to take over and shame on them for doing nothing to stop it or reverseing it. There are no efforts by the Mayor or commissioners stopping this Cancer that killed this once great town.
I was a 10 yr old kid when I watched Michele win Miss USA..I can still remember that reaction. I still have a photo of her on Miami beach holding a banner over her head. I always wondered what beacame of her. Miss USA no longer introduces past winners. But I will always have fond memories of Michele Mcdonald and Amanda Jones the 73 miss usa winner. Sincerely Scott Bell
I was lucky enough to meet Michel Mcdonald in 1977 in the airport in south carolina. while waiting on my flight home from basic training from the Marine Corps. It is something that I will allways remember. We hadnt been able to look at a girl let alone talk to one. So meeting her, talking to her and taking a picture with her was a memory I will always hold dear. My name is Joe May I was a PFC at the time. Thanks for the wonderful memory.
I remember going out to Penn Valley Athletic Club to swim with the Gibbs' family (Jack, Chris, etc) and Michelle worked in the snack bar. Made the best little pizzas!! And of course all of us little girls were in awe of her after she became Miss USA!
Just a bit of trivia...did you remember the local station WISR announcing that Michelle won - the next morning (Sunday)? No, they didn't. I signed on the station and didn't find it in our AP wire from overnight! Also I went to bed too early to see the results on tv, since I had to get up in the morning to sign on the station. I felt so badly about that - missing a news scoop. My mentor at the station Mr. I went thru the massive news copy on Monday and found the story I had missed. I stayed in radio news a few years, and think I did better (smile). Our family lived in Penn Twp, just a mile or so from Michelle's home - my brother was in her HS class and she was certainly a great person and a wonderful time for our County. I bet she remembers her radio interview at WISR with Bob Kaufman a few days later! I think he allowed her a few words...!! Sorry for rambling, but wanted to finally say 'I'm sorry' for missing the story...!!!
I was 3 or 4 years behind Michelle at Knoch High School. She deserved to win the title. I'm glad to hear she has led such a wonderful life helping people, just as I remember her. Thanks for the memories and I'm glad you are doing well. I KNEW it had to be wrong when I read those lines from the mistaken individuals. Love ya, Michele! You go, girl.
I was a few years younger than Michele when she became Miss USA. After all these years I still remember watching the pageant and the excitement of that night. She proudly represented Butler County, Pennsylvania, and the USA. And, we too were so proud of her. I seem to recall it was mentioned at the pageant that she was missing her Senior Prom in order to participate. Doesn't sound like a big deal now, but to a teenager it may have been. Also, I think she may have been the youngest lady in that pageant.
Don't know her, but am glad to hear she is doing well.
This was a big event for Butler. One of the many things that we can be proud of. Michele was not only a beauty but a beautiful human being. Still is, for sure.
This is a long shot, maybe Michelle still reads this. In '71, Diane Knaub was Miss Congeniality. Michelle, would you have any idea of her whereabouts to date? Last time I saw her, she going to school in Boulder, we saw 'Three in the Attic' in Denver, and I shipped out to VN the following week. Also, does anybody know which TV network carried the pageant at that time? Thanks for any information.
I was a 4 at the time. In the parade after the padgent. I was on the curb. Could not take my eyes off her. Parants said she came off the flot. And gave me a little kiss. And to the day they keep bring up the coment I made after the kiss. Thank you for the memories
My sister, Sue Yost, was a friend of hers. After she won the title she brought her over to the house. I was just a little kid, my sister introduced her, I said it was nice meeting her, walked past her and went about my business of play. I was 10 and had no idea who she was!
I think the "Typical Butler County" remark is a bit overstated. maybe you hang with the wrong crowd. I am from Butler County and I am proud and happy to see anyone of our Butlerites to do their best, get their best out of life and the more the better. And Michele I never knew you but I am very happy for you and glad you have had a wonderful life. Jealousy and envy is not territorial. And, I think many choose Anonymous so as not to get backlash.
I just stumbled on this blog while browsing the internet for some unrelated information about Butler. In 1968, when I was senior in Knoch High Schoool, for some unknown reason I decided to take a Latin course, with a teacher named Mrs. Bachman. Mrs. Bachman, who was undoubtedly about to retire, had a unique way of running her class - she sat at the desk and read Latin phrases, and the students could do whatever they liked as long as they didn't demolish the classroom.
I sat at the back of the classroom next to a tall, thin dark haired freshman girl with a charming smile. She was so nice and fun to be around. We never did anything untoward, nothing really funny or important at all. Just laughed and smiled and played some meaningless games on paper. I remember thinking at the time what a nice, special person she was - and quite attractive too.
She was, of course, Michelle McDonald, and I wasn't very surprised to hear, three years later, that she was a Miss USA. I remember you fondly Michele! All th best, Jim H.
Michelle went to school with my sister, Debbie, and I remember making flowers out of Kleenex for a float and greeting her at the airport! Funny the things you remember from your childhood.
Just ran across this. Very nice. I recall Michele as a great kid with a terrific family. Her Dad in particular was extremely nice to me. I was a lifeguard at BCC and like to think I was the swimming instructor who first worked with Michele. Summers of 1965 and 1966 are a bit fuzzy. At any rate, I hope the last 50 years has been kind to all the McDonalds, especially Michele.
Michele was a great gal and wonderful friend. I knew the family. Sister Colleen was a good friend also, and her mom was great. We stayed in touch until the end. She was hoping for another lung transplant, but it wasn't to be. Miss you Michele, you went through a lot, and always had a positive attitude. Jackie
31 comments:
I never knew this. I looked up the information on line and found that Michele was also the youngest Miss USA and the first red-head to be crowned. Another proud peice of history for our little town!
Well, don't know much about Michele's adult days, but it seems those of some posters are angry,bittersweet times. Maybe filled with some envy?
Michele was a nice fellow Knoch High student, strikingly taller than her beau who QBed the Knights football team, and proportioned appropriately according to beauty pageant guidelines. Let's just say, she had nice "guidelines." But not notably better than many of those fresh-faced farm girls who hung out in the halls of that Saxonburg school. And Michele was always nice to us peons. Heck, we didn't think much of the fact she'd been crowned Miss Saxonburg @ the local fireman's carnival ...until a year later, nearly to the week as I recall, when there she was ...Miss USA. We were proud of her then, and now.
Quit being so catty. Thanks for a nice bragging point for all aging Knoch Knights, Michele! Here's hoping your well and happy.
btw, Michele had a sister (or 2 maybe) who were just as pretty and nice. And I do not remember Michele's hair as being "red." Definitely not! Maybe auburn on one of those rare days when the sun was shining on Dinnerbell Road ... or the peroxide highlighting had gotten away from her the night before.
I was in the 7th grade at Knoch when Michele was crowned Miss USA. She was still technically a high school senior when she won the pageant. She was none of the nasty things being posted here. She was very nice to everybody, even the stupid 7th graders.
When I was little Michele was my baby sitter. She was wonderful. When I was a young teen Michele was crowned Miss USA. When she came home my mother and I went to her family home and helped her aunt clean as the family had so much goining on and that's what friends and neighbors do. While we were there her aunt picked up her crown and said try it on. That was a very special moment in my life. Michele was and as far as I know still a wonderful person, always seeing the best in everyone. Never critical. She did not get involved in drugs as some are claiming and I believe she is very much alive.
If I remember correctly Michele was crowned Miss USA on her fathers birthday. My family were friends and neighbors with the McDonald family. They were wonderful people. Those that are saying ugly things about Michele or her family clearly have their own problems that should be tended to. I feel sorry for them.
For all you bloggers who seem to have a fascination with my life, I am very much alive. I am not, nor have have I ever been involved in drugs or orgies as stated on this blog. For your information, I live a quiet life; Raised two wonderful children and currently work in the health care industry.For the bloggers who have negative comments, why haven't you signed your true name? It is apparent, you never knew me nor my family on a personal level. Only a coward would hide behind anonymous!!! For those who defended me and knew me on a personal level thank you for your support. Michele Mcdonald Boeke former Butler County resident
i just read this about michele
michele is my best girlfriend
for over 20 years now !!
and i can tell u this she is not
what this blog is saying not at
all !!! the people that wrote nasty
things about her should be ashamed
of themselves !!! michele is a
very caring and kind person :)
and why wont u people leave your
name ? instead of hiding?
michele ilove u girlfriend !!!!
A personal note for you, Michele -- If you would rather have me remove this entry in the blog all the comments, because it has certainly caused you some hurt, please let me know and I will delete it.
Charles Cingolani
clcing@web.de
Hello Charles, I'd rather you leave the blog on. This way people can see that I am very much alive and doing very well.It's really sad that people have to be mean and say unkind words about me who have no idea who I am. Thank you
Typical Butler County... Jealous of success, envious of fame, and sadly ignorant of facts.
That is a PERFECT statement. I've unfortuately lived in Butler my whole life. My kids are almost through high school and they and I both cant wait to move out of this NASCAR, WALMART, McDonalds driven town. The City years ago allowed HUD to take over and shame on them for doing nothing to stop it or reverseing it. There are no efforts by the Mayor or commissioners stopping this Cancer that killed this once great town.
I was a 10 yr old kid when I watched Michele win Miss USA..I can still remember that reaction. I still have a photo of her on Miami beach holding a banner over her head. I always wondered what beacame of her. Miss USA no longer introduces past winners. But I will always have fond memories of Michele Mcdonald and Amanda Jones the 73 miss usa winner. Sincerely Scott Bell
I was lucky enough to meet Michel Mcdonald in 1977 in the airport in south carolina. while waiting on my flight home from basic training from the Marine Corps. It is something that I will allways remember. We hadnt been able to look at a girl let alone talk to one. So meeting her, talking to her and taking a picture with her was a memory I will always hold dear. My name is Joe May I was a PFC at the time. Thanks for the wonderful memory.
I remember going out to Penn Valley Athletic Club to swim with the Gibbs' family (Jack, Chris, etc) and Michelle worked in the snack bar. Made the best little pizzas!! And of course all of us little girls were in awe of her after she became Miss USA!
Just a bit of trivia...did you remember the local station WISR announcing that Michelle won - the next morning (Sunday)? No, they didn't. I signed on the station and didn't find it in our AP wire from overnight! Also I went to bed too early to see the results on tv, since I had to get up in the morning to sign on the station. I felt so badly about that - missing a news scoop. My mentor at the station Mr. I went thru the massive news copy on Monday and found the story I had missed. I stayed in radio news a few years, and think I did better (smile). Our family lived in Penn Twp, just a mile or so from Michelle's home - my brother was in her HS class and she was certainly a great person and a wonderful time for our County. I bet she remembers her radio interview at WISR with Bob Kaufman a few days later! I think he allowed her a few words...!! Sorry for rambling, but wanted to finally say 'I'm sorry' for missing the story...!!!
I was 3 or 4 years behind Michelle at Knoch High School. She deserved to win the title. I'm glad to hear she has led such a wonderful life helping people, just as I remember her. Thanks for the memories and I'm glad you are doing well. I KNEW it had to be wrong when I read those lines from the mistaken individuals. Love ya, Michele! You go, girl.
I was a few years younger than Michele when she became Miss USA. After all these years I still remember watching the pageant and the excitement of that night. She proudly represented Butler County, Pennsylvania, and the USA. And, we too were so proud of her. I seem to recall it was mentioned at the pageant that she was missing her Senior Prom in order to participate. Doesn't sound like a big deal now, but to a teenager it may have been. Also, I think she may have been the youngest lady in that pageant.
Don't know her, but am glad to hear she is doing well.
Blessings to Michelle! I was a 2 years behind her. We were all so very proud of her. She was a good girl.
It's all good. You go, girl! Live your best life.
This was a big event for Butler. One of the many things that we can be proud of. Michele was not only a beauty but a beautiful human being. Still is, for sure.
This is a long shot, maybe Michelle still reads this. In '71, Diane Knaub was Miss Congeniality. Michelle, would you have any idea of her whereabouts to date? Last time I saw her, she going to school in Boulder, we saw 'Three in the Attic' in Denver, and I shipped out to VN the following week. Also, does anybody know which TV network carried the pageant at that time? Thanks for any information.
Michele from Eddy K. from Ohio
You are still a beautiful lady.
I was a 4 at the time. In the parade after the padgent. I was on the curb. Could not take my eyes off her. Parants said she came off the flot. And gave me a little kiss. And to the day they keep bring up the coment I made after the kiss.
Thank you for the memories
My sister, Sue Yost, was a friend of hers. After she won the title she brought her over to the house. I was just a little kid, my sister introduced her, I said it was nice meeting her, walked past her and went about my business of play. I was 10 and had no idea who she was!
I think the "Typical Butler County" remark is a bit overstated. maybe you hang with the wrong crowd. I am from Butler County and I am proud and happy to see anyone of our Butlerites to do their best, get their best out of life and the more the better. And Michele I never knew you but I am very happy for you and glad you have had a wonderful life. Jealousy and envy is not territorial. And, I think many choose Anonymous so as not to get backlash.
I remember those days, Michele. You made us all so proud to be from where you lived. We felt as if we had won with you. Thank you.
I just stumbled on this blog while browsing the internet for some unrelated information about Butler. In 1968, when I was senior in Knoch High Schoool, for some unknown reason I decided to take a Latin course, with a teacher named Mrs. Bachman. Mrs. Bachman, who was undoubtedly about to retire, had a unique way of running her class - she sat at the desk and read Latin phrases, and the students could do whatever they liked as long as they didn't demolish the classroom.
I sat at the back of the classroom next to a tall, thin dark haired freshman girl with a charming smile. She was so nice and fun to be around. We never did anything untoward, nothing really funny or important at all. Just laughed and smiled and played some meaningless games on paper. I remember thinking at the time what a nice, special person she was - and quite attractive too.
She was, of course, Michelle McDonald, and I wasn't very surprised to hear, three years later, that she was a Miss USA. I remember you fondly Michele! All th best, Jim H.
Michelle went to school with my sister, Debbie, and I remember making flowers out of Kleenex for a float and greeting her at the airport! Funny the things you remember from your childhood.
I remember Michele McDonald.
I was a kid then, but she was a crush.
She was always my idea of what a woman should be like.
George Vreeland Hill
Just ran across this. Very nice. I recall Michele as a great kid with a terrific family. Her Dad in particular was extremely nice to me. I was a lifeguard at BCC and like to think I was the swimming instructor who first worked with Michele. Summers of 1965 and 1966 are a bit fuzzy. At any rate, I hope the last 50 years has been kind to all the McDonalds, especially Michele.
This obituary really makes me sad.
Michele was a great gal and wonderful friend. I knew the family. Sister Colleen was a good friend also, and her mom was great. We stayed in touch until the end. She was hoping for another lung transplant, but it wasn't to be. Miss you Michele, you went through a lot, and always had a positive attitude.
Jackie
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