Carolyn Janis McDonnell

Carolyn J. McDonnell

Carolyn Janis McDonnell, 75, of Palmyra, died Friday, September 25, 2009, at her home.

She was born May 2, 1934 in South Bend, Indiana, the daughter of the late Herbert William Merten and Blanche Cora Young Merten. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Herbert William Merten Jr.

Carolyn dearly loved her family and enjoyed gardening.

Survivors include her husband, Bobby McDonnell of Palmyra; her children, Brenda Murray of Charlottesville, Debbie Marshall of North Garden, Doug Pirkle of Sturgeon, Pennsylvania, Sharon Hodges of Bloomingdale, Ohio, Rose McDonnell of Richmond, Wanda McDonnell and Roxanne McDonnell, both of Nashville, Tennessee; a sister, Norma Jean Seggerman of South Bend, Indiana; and brother-in-law, Earl Hoover of Northern Virginia; 10 grandchildren, Keith Payne, Kristie Chandler, Emily Woodson, Olivia Woodson, Christopher Hodges, Joe Hodges, Kitty Payne, Marquette, Michael and Domonic; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday, September 28, 2009, at Monticello Memory Gardens with Mr. Jack Houchens officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2009, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.