Carolyn Lee Rockwell McDonald (December 8, 1952

Carolyn Lee Rockwell McDonald, age 71 (often referred to as 65 by those who knew her humor), passed away on June 27, 2024.

She was born on December 8, 1952, in Oil City, Pennsylvania to her loving parents James Norman Rockwell, and Geraldine Elizabeth Gertrude Hanna Rockwell. She spent her early childhood years in Stoneboro and Oil City, Pennsylvania. Her family moved when she was eight years old and she spent her formative years in Thousand Oaks, California. She graduated from Thousand Oaks High School, before attending Moorpark College, and The University of Alabama before settling in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she called home for over fifty years.

Carolyn was a devoted daughter, friend, wife, mother, and grandmother, cherishing her family above all else. On December 12, 1981, Carolyn married the love of her life, David Joseph McDonald. Their union of forty-two years was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, including the joy of raising their daughter, Mary Hanna McDonald. Carolyn adored her pets Mario, Annie, Mr. Kitty Cat, and Helen, who brought her immense happiness and companionship.

Carolyn's professional life was marked by dedication and service. You could not find a more dedicated and harder worker. She began her career at the Days Inn Motel where she was the office manager for fifteen years. She began her career at Bryce Hospital, then worked as an accountant at William D. Partlow Developmental Center for twenty-one years. Her twenty-five-year tenure with the state was marked by her exceptional work ethic and deep commitment to her colleagues and community, earning her lifelong friendships wherever she worked. Her work ethic and love for her job were evident to all who knew.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carolyn was known for her vibrant personality, boundless generosity, and love for life. She had a sharp sense of humor, a passion for adventure, and a love for travel, especially to Disney World with her family. An avid reader, Carolyn favored mystery and crime novels and was skilled in needlework, including needlepoint and cross-stitch. Her culinary talents were celebrated among family and friends, who cherished dishes like her apple pie, cinnamon rolls, homemade ice cream, mashed potatoes, beef stroganoff, and lasagna.

Carolyn's compassion extended to animals, particularly dogs, cats, otters, penguins, and cows. She found joy in the simple pleasures of cooking, baking, and spending quality time with loved ones—whether at home watching her favorite shows NCIS and Law and Order, attending concerts, traveling, going out to eat, or indulging in retail therapy, especially on QVC.

Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband David McDonald and her loving daughter and best friend, Mary Hanna McDonald. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Norman Rockwell and Geraldine Elizabeth Gertrude Hanna Rockwell.

A celebration of Carolyn's life was held at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Friday, July 12, 2024.

Honorary pallbearers included Carol and David Oswalt, Mary Jo and Mike Grange, Ken Hopkins, The Fondren Family, coworkers and friends from Days Inn Motel, and coworkers and friends from William D. Partlow Developmental Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn's memory may be made to the Humane Society of West Alabama or Kings Home (Hannah Home), reflecting Carolyn's deep compassion and commitment to both animals and community service.

Carolyn's life and legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.