Carolyn Briscoe (Gilmartin) MDonald |
| Posted 2024-12-11 by Pat R |
| Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona) Wednesday, October 2, 2024, p. A-5 Carolyn Briscoe McDonald was called to Heaven on Sept. 1, 2024. She was born to John and Jean Gilmartin on Oct. 26, 1938 in West Orange, N.J. Carolyn loved being a teacher. She earned her B.A. in elementary education from the University of Michigan. "Go Wolverines". In 1960, she began her teaching career in New Jersey. She moved to Wickenburg in 1968 and met and married Bill Cluff. She worked at the Flying E Guest Ranch for one year. She loved her horses and became a charter member of Wickenburg Horseman's Association and was involved in Wickenburg Saddle Club. In 1969, Carolyn started teaching in first grade at MacLennan Elementary School. After the death of Bill in 1988, she "re-met" Walter McDonald Jr. and they Married in 2000. As a teacher, she loved putting on an "original" Thanksgiving feast in her classroom for her students and their families. Hosting the first grade trips to "Old McDonald's Farm" was another highlight that was enjoyed by all and is still talked about today by many of her former students. Carolyn retired in 1997 after 37 years of service to children in public schools. Traveling was a joy, whether it was driving to the east coast to visit family with Walter or taking cruises with her step-daughter, Diane. Carolyn and Walter were deeply involved and devoted to the Elks Lodge, especially doing the youth programs. These involved and soccer shoots, hoop shoots, the drug awareness poster contest, scholarships, along with Student of the Month and the end of year dinner for those students. She also loved being a part of Wheels Across America, feeding many bicyclists a spaghetti dinner. Carolyn was preceded in death by husbands, Bill Cluff and Walter McDonald Jr.; stepdaughters, Mary Lou Sudella and Claire McDonald; and stepson Walter McDonald III. She is loved and missed by her brother, John Gilmartin (Mary Ann); nephew, Geoffrey (Jessica); children, Bridget and Zander; nephew, Douglas Gilmartin (Pamela) and his child, Julie; stepchildren, Darlene, Diane (Chuck), Wayne (Terry), Robert (Joan), Barbara Ann, Michael (Cathy) and Ginny (Shane); and bonus daughter, Sarah Mattox (Jeff); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many friends. Please join us for a celebration of life at Wickenburg Elks Lodge on Oct. 2, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. |
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