Carol Tiburzi-McDonald

Carol Tiburzi McDonald

7/14/1933 - 7/9/2023

Carol Joan Tiburzi McDonald, 89, died at Essentia St. Mary’s in Duluth, Minn. She was born in Chisholm, Minn. to Helen and Cliff Robitaille. A single child, she early on developed a close bond with her cousins Phyllis and Shirley Erickson, and Arlene Lassila. She graduated from Chisholm High School, and shortly thereafter married her high school sweetheart Robert Tiburzi. They lived briefly in Barstow, California where Robert was stationed in the Marine Corps. The couple moved to Hibbing, Minn. where Robert was co-owner of Sunny Hill Distributors, and Carol tended the home and raised their family. She was an active member of the Church Circle at the Immaculate Conception Church, and was later instrumental in overseeing the interior design of the rectory. Carol was actively involved in the Hibbing Hospital Auxiliary, for a time serving as president. She worked in the gift shop at the hospital and from time to time in the office at Sunny Hill. After Robert’s death in the tragic Hibbing plane crash of 1993, Carol went on to give talks about her loss and coping with tragedy. She worked through her grief by writing about it and sharing it with others. She proudly delivered a commencement address to her alma mater, Chisholm High. She began to entertain groups and perform throughout the area with her comedy sketches “The Lady with the Purse” and “Shirley B. Wilde”. Her sense of humor was legendary; she loved nothing more than making others laugh and feel loved.

In 2000, Carol became reacquainted with and wed high school classmate Robert McDonald of Chisholm, who had recently experienced the loss of his wife. While Bob coached the basketball team, she once again became cheerleader, attending many of the Chisholm games. They enjoyed sharing laughs and companionship until Bob’s death in 2020.

Carol was a supporter of the Chisholm Community Foundation, and a member of a long-running bridge club. She attended yearly Franciscan retreats at Prior Lake, Minn. She cherished the frequent costume parties and trips in company of lifelong friends. Carol loved her family deeply. She had a sweet tooth and a sweet heart.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; infant son John; first husband and father to her children, Robert Tiburzi; and second husband Robert McDonald. Survivors include her children Dawn Tiburzi (Dino Pino), Dan Tiburzi (Snookie), Greg Tiburzi (Sheryl), and Tom Tiburzi (Sherry); grandchildren Toni (Steven) Bradley, Dan (Jenna) Uebel, Jon Tiburzi, Joel Tiburzi, Tara Tiburzi; and great-grandchildren Kieran and McKenna Bradley, Oliver Uebel, and Mason Warmuth-Miller.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Essentia Health in Duluth, and Cornerstone Villa in Buhl, Minn., where Carol received excellent care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hibbing. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the beginning of the Mass at church.

Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Range Center in Chisholm.