Adrienne Allyn (Polgar) Mcdonald

Adrienne Allyn (Polgar) McDonald, 42, of Flat Rock, IL, passed away unexpectedly at her home in the early morning hours of April 3, 2023. She was born on June 15, 1980, in Lawrenceville, IL, the daughter of Daniel & Susan (Rodgers) Polgar, both of whom survive. She is also survived by her daughter and the apple of her eye, Violet Odessa McDonald, and her father, Chuck McDonald; her sister, Emberlyn Polgar, and her partner, Jason Price; her aunt, Elaine Rodgers; her cousin, Kensey Lyons, and her children, Gabe, Sam, and Darcy; and her half-uncle, Theodore J. Polgar. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Kenneth & Edith Rodgers; her paternal grandparents, Theodore & Luella Polgar; and her uncles, Larry Rodgers and Mark Rodgers.

Adrienne's love of music started from an early age. At the age of three, she was singing Italian art songs during her mom's voice lessons. Her first performance was at LTC as one of the orphans in Annie. She was in countless musicals, operas, concerts, and other performances, including: The Sound of Music, The King and I, Camelot, Oklahoma, West Side Story, Crazy for You, The Music Man, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Pasta and Puccini, The Marriage of Figaro, The Mikado and The Magic Flute. Adrienne graduated from Robinson High School with the class of 1998. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Indiana State University in 2002 and went on to achieve her Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Western Illinois University in 2004. She worked as a preschool teacher at the St. Francisville Christian Academy for a short time after graduation until she became the Music Minister and Youth Minister at First Christian Church in Vincennes, IN. She loved working with and teaching the youth about God and His Son, Jesus. She worked there until right before her daughter's birth in 2010.

Her life took a drastic change eight days after Violet's birth on November 2. At that time, Adrienne experienced cardiac arrest in her home and was resuscitated through the efforts of the local EMTs and the Flat Rock Fire Department. Before her heart started again, Adrienne experienced an out-of-body experience, where she saw loved ones who had already passed, angels, and Jesus Christ. This experience caused her to believe that she had a purpose for returning to her body, and she was no longer afraid of death. Through the grace of God, Adrienne then traveled the road of recovery for the past 12 ½ years. She worked with courage and grace to regain her ability to move her body and communicate with those around her. Many volunteers helped her with stretching, standing, walking, and communicating. Adrienne especially appreciated visiting with the volunteers who brought love and support into her home while offering their much-needed services. Her favorite therapies included horse riding, speech, and biking. Going to church and talking with her church family also rated at the top of Adrienne's list.

But at the very top of Adrienne's list was spending time with her daughter, Violet, who was the most important person in Adrienne's life. Violet brought joy and fun into Adrienne's life. Over the past 12 ½ years, Adrienne, Violet, sister Emberlyn and parents Susan and Dan embarked on many adventures, which included three trips to Disney, a trip to San Antonio, TX, and trips to the beaches in Michigan and Florida. She loved experiencing God's creation in zoos, botanical gardens, and butterflies. Adrienne also enjoyed listening to clean comedians. It was an incredible joy to hear her laugh at their jokes. Just this past January, the entire family made a trip to Indianapolis to attend a Brian Regan comedy concert. It is a very special memory.

Adrienne exuded love and light and grace. She did not dwell on anger or discouragement about her challenges but rather focused on improving and communicating love and kindness to those around her. She made every person feel important and special. Adrienne would want everyone she loves to join her in heaven one day by accepting the loving grace of Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7th, at South Union Church in Flat Rock. A funeral service will immediately follow and be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, with Pastor Eric Hankins officiating. Burial will be in the Tohill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to "New Hebron Christian School", with envelopes available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock is in charge of arrangements.