Carolyn Ruth McDonald

Carolyn Ruth McDonald (Turnipseed) passed away peacefully at her home in Brookfield, CT, on Jan 15, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was the widow of John Francis McDonald. Carolyn was born April 2, 1931 in Washington Courthouse, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Dean) Turnipseed. Carolyn grew up in Ohio until age 16, when she moved to New York City.  It was here, while on winter break from The University of Miami, where she eventually met her future husband of 49 years. After marrying, and settling in Levittown, L.I., the couple raised three young children, before moving to Brookfield, where their last two children were born.  

Carolyn was a self-described "foodie" and enjoyed spending time in the kitchen creating delicious meals for her family, and packing picnics for boat trips on Candlewood Lake. Carolyn also had a fondness for her dogs, who were always a special part of the family.   Always one for a good debate, Carolyn loved sitting around the table at family get togethers helping us to "understand" her point of view and reminiscing about "the good ol' days."

Carolyn is survived by her children, Jill Walsh and her husband Terry; Maureen Crocker and her husband Walter; John F. McDonald Jr; Laura Marchionna and her husband, Mike; Michael McDonald and his wife Sharon, and bonus daughter, Suzanne McDonald.   She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother.  
The family will be forever grateful to the staff at The Hearth of Southbury, who took such great care of her for the past couple of years, and the folks at Riverglen Healthcare Center, who worked so diligently to get her home.  We cannot thank the team from Masonicare Home Health and Hospice enough for helping us through this difficult time, and helping Carolyn transition peacefully to her eternal life. 

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on June 12, 2021 at 11:00 AM, at The Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South in Southbury.  Visiting hours will be prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11.00 AM.  Burial will follow at the Pine Hill Cemetery in Southbury.  To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation could be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or The Ronald McDonald House.

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