Birth date: Dec 6, 1952 Death date: Sep 29, 2015
Carol Patricia McDonald, 63, Fruitland Park, FL, passed away on September 29, 2015 in Abu Dhabi U.A.E. under the loving care of her husband and staff of Al Noor Hospital. Mrs. McDonald was born on December 6, 1952 in England to he Read Obituary
Very sad news.
Carol managed to cram several lives into her relatively short one, each with extreme highs and lows.
My deepest sympathy to you Jeff, you shared the highs together and hope you can take comfort from the fact that Carol is at peace now.
Paul Vann
Previous letter provided by sister Barbara.
Carol
There were nearly five years between Carol and I - I am the elder one and by all the rules should have been the one who looked after her and helped her, but I failed.
I failed because from the word go Carol was her own person - fiercely independent, full of life, very caring of others and oh that smile...
I remember her as a very small child sitting up in bed singing - very often hymns like All Things Bright and Beautiful. As teenagers we loved the Beatles or Rod Stewart and went to many a rugby club party or live concert in Leicester. Father was always strict about the time we came in and Carol always broke the rules! He was strict too about meals, everything had to be eaten - the rows over Brussels sprouts were unbelievable. Carol buried much evidence in the garden!
When we were children, money and the lack of it was a constant problem. We lived away from grandparents so the influence of our parents was huge. Our father was charming, enigmatic and loved his garden. Our mother was the homemaker, the peacemaker, the diplomat, the cook, the organiser, and the part- time worker in an opticians and then at the Gas Board - the utility company. Mother was the one that both Carol and I looked to for guidance, support and our moral compass.
I remember Carol as someone who knew what she wanted and went for it. As children we enjoyed the Christmases spent with grandmother in Manchester or great aunt and uncle in Bournemouth on the south coast. A common factor is that they all knew how to cook well, for many people and to give good parties. And they were all very smiley people.
When our father left the family, we both felt it keenly but she was only 14 years old and was heartbroken. I have never seen my father since but Carol saw him accidentally. It was not a happy reunion.
Carol also worked for the Gas Board. She was in sales and had some good friends who helped see her through some hard times. She loved gardening, loved children and loved life. But life continued to deal her some hard blows until she met Jeff.
Jeff was her soul mate, the love of her life and her rock. She was so happy to have met and married him and loved their life together in Abu Dhabi. I am grateful to him for all he did to ensure her happiness and to look after her as she became so ill.
Distance separated us but occasionally she and Jeff would arrive in Uk; ring us all and we'd gather to eat, chat and catch up with all the children and children's children! When I went to see Carol in AD, I took photos of our childhood but it was the pictures of my sons and their children that she wanted to see. We are separated by distance but I'm here to represent them all and to bring the love they felt for her.
Carol gave so much to life and there was so much more to come. But let's remember her for her huge capacity to be compassionate; her ability to organise events, parties and people; her laughter and smiles; her wit and charm; her exuberance - especially for dressing up and dancing; her ability with a fishing rod and the caring person that she was.
I miss her and our mother every day. As in most families, I regret hugely the missed opportunities. She brought light to our world and we are at a loss to understand her going.
Jeff and Barbara,
Please, accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol was always a shining light whenever we were with her. Always laughing and smiling.
She was the " hostest with the mostest"... never allowing us to help in any way with her
delicious meals. We will always cherish the fond memories of the fun times we shared with her.
We love you.
God bless you.
Diane McCamish
Jeff...
We were so very sorry to hear of Carol's passing. Larry and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and pray God will bring you comfort and peace. God bless you!
Larry and Linda Gail (Harris) Carter
Carol was one of the most wonderful people I've ever known. She smiled all the time. In fact, I always suspected that she smiled in her sleep. She was smart, funny, kind, generous with her love and, most importantly, made my brother very happy. We will all miss you, Carol. That hole will never be filled.
