REMEMBERING YVONNE McDONALD | A Legacy Etched In the Heart of Coconut Grove.

Miami — In the tight-knit neighborhood of Coconut Grove’s Village West, few names carry the weight and warmth of Yvonne M. McDonald — a tireless community advocate whose impact continues to echo through the streets she once walked.

McDonald, who passed away on October 14, 2008, dedicated her life to service, compassion, and advocacy, despite losing her eyesight at a young age. Her work, carried out with unwavering determination and love for her community, earned her a rare honor: her name now lives on in one of Coconut Grove’s oldest corridors.

On June 30, 2009, the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution officially co-designating SW 32nd Avenue, from Grand Avenue to Day Avenue, as “Yvonne M. McDonald Road.” The street runs through the heart of the community she championed — a lasting tribute to a woman who worked relentlessly to preserve and uplift Coconut Grove’s historically Black neighborhood.

A Life of Service in the Face of Adversity

Though legally blind, McDonald’s vision for her community was clear. She spent years as an advocate and grassroots organizer, helping families gain access to housing, medical care, food, and clothing. As a trusted aide to former City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, she served as a vital bridge between local government and a community that often felt overlooked.

Her leadership extended beyond City Hall. McDonald was involved in organizations like the Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association and the Urban Empowerment Corporation, where she played a critical role in addressing housing rights, preserving neighborhood heritage, and guiding young people toward brighter futures.

“She knew everyone, and everyone knew her,” said a longtime Grove resident. “If you needed help, you called Yvonne. If you needed to be held accountable, Yvonne was already at your door.”

Honored in Life — and Beyond

Following her passing in 2008, community members, church leaders, and local officials gathered at Christ Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove to mourn her loss and celebrate her life. Among those in attendance were representatives from the City of Miami, paying tribute to a woman who had long held their feet to the fire — always on behalf of her community.

In the years since, additional memorials have been initiated to ensure McDonald’s story lives on.

A mural honoring McDonald’s life and legacy is slated for installation by Coconut Grove Cares, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to youth and family services in Village West.

At Elizabeth Virrick Park, children from the community helped create a butterfly garden in her memory — a peaceful space filled with native plants, color, and hand-painted stones bearing her name and messages of hope.

The renaming of SW 32nd Avenue to Yvonne M. McDonald Road now serves as a physical and symbolic reminder of the woman who worked behind the scenes and in the spotlight to ensure Coconut Grove’s soul was never erased.


A Permanent Mark on the Grove

Yvonne McDonald didn’t hold public office. She didn’t seek the spotlight. But her work, done humbly and tirelessly, has left a mark that will not fade.

“She was the conscience of Coconut Grove,” said one city official. “And now, every time we drive down that street, we’re reminded of the standard she set for all of us.”