Beda MacDonald

Beda (Saucedo) MacDonald, 68, of Portland, ND, died at home Saturday September, 14, following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was born May 27, 1945 in Robore, Bolivia. She was eight years old when her mother, Alciera Saucedo, passed away. As orphans, she and her two sisters spent a number of years under the care of the nuns who ran a school for girls in Roboré. When her older sister Nelly was old enough to work, she decided to seek new perspectives and moved to La Paz, the seat of government, taking her two sisters with her. Beda started to work at an early age and became secretary at the National Oil Company YPFB. She was a beautiful young lady who stood out for her cheerful and optimistic attitude. She was a loving sister, a good friend and a dedicated employee. She loved music and had a beautiful voice. She learned how to play the guitar and had a preference for singing Bolivian folk music. She was invited to perform at the most prestigious clubs for Bolivian artists where she sang and played the guitar. She formed a duo with a friend and they recorded an album. Beda was always dreaming of a better future, and she regularly bought lottery tickets. One day fortune knocked at her door and she won a small prize. This gave her the opportunity to travel to the United States. She came to the US unable to speak a word of English. She ended up at Corbit College in Crookston, MN where she was tutored in the language. On June 24, 1972 Beda married Roderick MacDonald in Crookston, MN, lived in Mayville until 1974 when they moved to their current residence in Portland. She became a citizen of the United States on May 2, 1978. Beda had several jobs over the years, which included daycare provider, CNA for Luther Memorial and Hatton Nursing Home, miscellaneous worker for Crystal Sugar, and most recently as assistant cook for the MayPort CG School District. Beda had many pleasures and joys. Above all was family and friends. She enjoyed spending time at the lake and fishing, playing Wizard, knitting and doing other crafts as well. She also enjoyed traveling in which she was able to make trips back to South America to visit her family and spend her winters in Arizona. Beda was a hard worker with a big heart and was known for telling stories and bringing smiles to our faces with her sense of humor. She had a love for music and a voice of an angel. If ever a baby was around… Beda would be holding it. She had a gift with babies and kids and enjoyed her time dearly with her grandkids. Survivors include her husband Roderick, sons Matt (Ashuire Forrest) of Phoenix, AZ, Mark (Katie Quicksell) of Inver Grove Heights, MN, daughter Tania (Jason) Mielke and their three sons Luke, Lincoln, and Carson of New York Mills, MN; sisters Nelly (Jamie) Humerez of La Paz, Bolivia, their four daughters Marienka, Julie, Cesi, and Karina; and Tencha Saucedo and her children Tony and Melena of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Visitation: Will be from 10:00 AM till the service at the church. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Friday, September 20, 2013 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Mayville, ND. Burial: Oak Dale Cemetery, Crookston, MN.