Chelsea McDonald

Chelsea (Zuidmeer) McDonald was born on a perfect summer day July 8, 1991 in Kirkland, Washington. She passed away March 23, 2017 in Surrey, B.C., following a horseback riding accident.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mark Jacob McDonald of Surrey; her parents, William and Denise Zuidmeer of Everson; her big brother, Peter Zuidmeer of Burnaby, B.C.; her grandparents, Peter and Bernita Zuidmeer of Everson; and dozens of aunts, uncles and cousins in Whatcom County and across the U.S. and Canada. There are hundreds of rodeo family friends and countless others she touched with her zest for life along her journey. She leaves behind her special dog Yoshi and her beautiful horse Mags.

Chelsea was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Betty Ferrie of Bellingham.

There is a large extended family in both the U.S. and Canada, so two events will be held for the celebration of Chelsea’s life. You are welcome to attend either event. They are in Canada on April 1 at 3:30 p.m. in the LDS Church Gymnasium, 10122 140th St., Surrey, B.C.; and in the U.S. on April 8 at 1 p.m. in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2530 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Chelsea’s favorite charity: Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center, website: www.nwtrc.org or mail, 1884 Kelly Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226. Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center helps those with both physical and emotional disabilities enjoy the benefits of horses.