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Maryellen Carloni MacDonald
1947 - 2016
Maryellen Carloni MacDonald
1947 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1947
DIED
2016
Maryellen MacDonald Obituary
She was born Maryellen Carloni on September 30, 1947, in Quincy, MA, the daughter of Bruno and Eileen (Small) Carloni. She attended St. Mary's Grammar School and then The Archbishop Williams High School. She went on to attend and graduate from Boston State College with a degree in Elementary Education and Art Education. She also attended the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Graduate program, Art Education.
She was married in 1973 and had one child, Lon Gifford.
In 1988, Maryellen married the love of her life, Robert MacDonald.
She taught in Quincy, New York State, and in Sandwich. She taught grades 3 and 6 at H.T. Wing School and later Art to K-8 until retirement in 2013.
Preceding Maryellen in death were her parents, her husband Robert, and her brother Thomas Carloni.
Surviving family members are her son Lon Gifford and his wife Eva-Lynn of Hyannis, and her grandson Jack Gifford, who gave her many happy moments. Sisters; Patricia Carloni, Eileen Maver and her husband James, all of Quincy. Sister in law Carole Carloni of Pennsylvania, brothers-in-law; William and Douglas MacDonald of Hyannis, sisters-in-law Dorothy Gates of Sandwich and June Nese of Osterville and their wonderful families. She also leaves one remaining Aunt, her Godmother Delma Hale and son, a brother in spirit, Stephen Hale and his wife Karen and family.
She felt blessed to have such wonderful cousins and special nieces and nephews; Thomas, Sally, Jennifer, Karin, Lisa and Mary, all of Pennsylvania and their children; Jay and Ryan Maver of Qunicy.
Maryellen always felt supported and loved by her longtime friends Gryte, Pam, Marie and Cindy, and her dear friends Janet, Donna, Laura, Paula, Alicia and Gail.
She cherished her time with her family and friends, teaching children, working on art projects, reading mysteries, watching the birds, walking Mayflower Beach and listening to music.
There will be calling hours with the family on Friday, April 29, from 9:30AM to 11:30AM at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Rte. 6A, Sandwich, MA 02563.
A funeral mass will follow at 12:00PM, at the Corpus Christi Parish, 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, E. Sandwich, MA . Cremation will follow. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Sandwich Town Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Maryellen's name to the Cape and Islands Art Educators Association Scholarship Fund, c/o Dineen D'Avena, P.O. Box 789, South Dennis, MA 02660.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Matthew Picarelli-Kombert
May 21, 2016
Mrs MacDonald. Thank you for the years you spent not only teaching me, but my fellow students. Because of you, art was a big part of my high school experience and will forever be apart of my life. I will never forget how kindhearted you were. Thank you.
Emma Kelley
April 29, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald was a great art teacher with all of her creativity and catchy phrases. She was also a good friend to my mom throughout the years and always so nice to me. She will be missed but not forgotten and may she rest in peace.
Patricia E. Garrity
April 28, 2016
Maryellen was my classroom neighbor and colleague at the Wing School for many years. She was also the giver of flowers at Employee Recognition gatherings, the writer of cards when most appreciated and the baker of desserts (one per month) the year after she retired for those of us still on staff. She was usually the first one to greet us as we slipped in through the Art Room, and the last to leave at night, meticulously attending to the artwork of almost one thousand students per year. She awakened creativity in the youngest, and nurtured it through her eight eight years of instruction and they became artists! The lobby was home to her penguins, chicks or bunnies (depending on the season) and the walls were a true kaleidoscope of student talent. She helped make the Wing a very special place and I hope her family is comforted by their memories. She will be missed.
Connie Freeman
April 28, 2016
Maryellen, you were my light and wisdom at Wing. Thank you for sharing your talents and compassion with me. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Heaven has just received another angel.
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John Kelley
April 28, 2016
"Raise your hands if your perfect" ...... "Put those hands down!" I know I'm not perfect but out of everyone I know, Maryellen was the closest to perfection. She truly touched the hearts and minds of numerous students (including mine) throughout her years. Rest in peace Mary Ellen.
Anna Hurley
April 28, 2016
I will always remember the warm welcoming smile Mrs. MacDonald greeted the class with. She always was excited to teach all levels of art and made every class one to remember. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.
Katherine Hurley
April 28, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald made such a lasting and important impact of each student she taught. I will forever remember her reminding each of us that we are not perfect, but to always work hard and do your best. She played a vital part in the education of all Wing School students, making each of us feel so important and special. Her classroom was always filled with creativity and joy. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Jack Hurley
April 28, 2016
Mrs Macdonald was the greatest art teacher and taught us how to appreciate art and enhance our skills. She will be missed forever
Marcia Simpson
April 27, 2016
The art world has lost a treasure. I am so glad that Jeff & Kate had her as their art teacher at Wing, and I am so blessed to have had her friendship as an art colleague. She will be missed deeply. My thoughts and prayers to you Lon, and the family.
Katie Wojciechowski
April 27, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald was the most kindhearted person ever. I will never forget the "it's clean up time" or "raise your hand if your perfect" cheers that she used to say. She was one of the best art teachers I've ever had. My prayers go out to her family and love ones. God bless.
Emily Budzynkiewicz
April 27, 2016
Thank you for being my mom's classroom next door neighbor for years. I remember you helped me on many art projects and never lost patience despite my total lack of artistic ability. Thoughts and prayers are with you and you family.
Lexi Molina
April 27, 2016
I always looked forward to having art class with Mrs. MacDonald.. It honestly what the best part of my day. Thank you for making my years at Wing school memorable. You will be missed.
Carson Perkins
April 27, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald was the best. She was always so full of energy and new creative things for us to do. You will be missed <3
Nicole Gilooly
April 27, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald had a special way of connecting with all her students making them feel important and special. I am thankful I got the pleasure of having her as a teacher at the Wing School. Rest in peace <3
Catherine Harris
April 27, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald was a wonderful art teacher. She always made sure that her classroom was a safe space for every child and tried to impassion everyone to explore art. She was one of the first to encourage us as elementary school students to embrace art and experiment in our work. She always recognized former students no matter how many years had passed. I'm grateful to have had her as a teacher for 8 years. My thoughts go out to her family and loved ones.
Angie Champoli
April 27, 2016
I had Mrs. MacDonald as an art teacher when I was at Henry T Wing School 10 years ago. She was so passionate about art and definitely knew how to shine a light on everyone's potential. Rest in peace Mrs. MacDonald, you will be very missed.
April 27, 2016
I met Maryellen through her late husband Robert.She was his right hand for everything. They loved being together and she was very supportive of his work and his music. She even threw I surprise 60th Birthday party for him. It is with such honor to have known them both. Maryellen was a positive thinker, never a downer, and always optimistic. It is with great respect that Carol and I were apart of their lives. My condolences to the McDonalds and Family. Carol and Errick Jones
Erin Gendreau
April 27, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald inspired the lives around her. Her classroom was full of ideas and art that taught you to be an individual. Thanks for always reminding us that no one was perfect. You will be greatly missed.
Bella Collentro
April 27, 2016
Mrs.Macdonald was my art teacher at the Wing School for many years. I'll never forget her telling us "raise your hand if you're perfect, put those hands down" or "ok everyone it's cleanup time!". I will forever remember these sayings, as probably everyone who went to the Wing School will to. She was a great teacher and I am very blessed to have met her!
Aidan Curran
April 27, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald was an integral part of every Wing School student's education. You could tell how much she cared about what she taught and that came through in her lessons and projects for us. She will be missed by many. Condolences to her family and friends, and may she rest in peace.
Sarah Balkam
April 26, 2016
I will never forget singing "Ok everybody it's clean up time!" Mrs. MacDonald put so much of her heart and soul into her students and shared her love for art. I will miss her greatly, as will all of the community of Sandwich. She was a divine asset to encouraging all students to participate in the arts at Henry T. Wing School. Thank you for all of the lessons in both art and life, and for never forgetting to say hello when I returned to work at Wing in the after school program. My sympathies to her family in this time of mourning and celebration of a wonderful life.
Philecia Strauss
April 26, 2016
I had Mrs MacDonald for art at the Wing School & she truly showed me how much I loved art, I wish I could show her my art now. Rest In Peace Mrs MacDonald thank you for everything
Becca Mandy
April 26, 2016
Mrs.McDonald has always been an amazing woman that brought smiles and laughter each and every art class throughout many years. She made my experience at the Wing School one I will never forget, and I certainly will never forget the positive impact she had on me. A woman who touched many of our hearts, may she rest in the sweetest peace.
Matt Brooks
April 26, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald was my art teacher for eight years. She was an extremely kind woman and a gifted teacher. I always enjoyed her classes and hold many memories from them. May she rest in peace.
John Cahill
April 26, 2016
I had Mrs. MacDonald at Wing School as an art teacher. Rest in peace Mrs. MacDonald
Celine Hardy
April 26, 2016
Dear Lon,
I had the pleasure of working with your mom many years ago at the Wing school, she was a very special lady. With deepest sympathy, Celine Hardy
Rose Ware-Ingham
April 26, 2016
Dear Lon and family,
My prayers and condolences go out to you in the loss of your mother. May you find strength and peace in our Lord at this saddest of times.
Karen Lovely
April 26, 2016
Dear Lon and family, Maryellen always touched my heart with her warmth, light hearted humor and generosity. While we didn't see each other often in these later years, she took up a lot of room in my heart. She will be missed. My heart goes out to you with love and prayers.
Sheila Lima
April 26, 2016
Maryellen was a gifted teacher. Her art classes were full of ideas and suggestions to inspire the artist in each student (and we adults who saw her at work). The artwork her students created was truly a testament to her teaching skills. The countless hours she spent decorating the halls and display cabinets at Wing showed the depth of her commitment to her students and to her school. But mostly I remember (and miss) the many, many lunch times we shared...her sense of humor, her laugh, her story telling...Maryellen, you were truly one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace ❤
Denise Carloni
April 26, 2016
I will miss Maryellen's smile. I loved her laughter. She always had a positive outlook. I cherish my memories of her talking about teaching and especially the family get togethers at nana's and our now annual Christmas get togethers. If I can do anything for any of you let me know I am always here for all of you. My heart goes out to you. Maryellen was a wonderful cousin and I know she was a wonderful sister and mother, grandmother and friend and teacher.You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you all my love and hugs and deepest heartfelt sympathy. Love you all -Love Cousin Denise
Ben Gavoni
April 26, 2016
Mrs. MacDonald was someone who made art fun and provided a happy, positive attitude while doing so. Aside from learning a lot from her, the memories I have of her caring about the school and her students are what will stick with me. May she rest in peace.
Virginia Harrison
April 26, 2016
Dear Lon and Family,
Maryellen was one in a million. The finest educator in the district. She was able to enhance all academic classes with her brilliant creative mind. Maryellen was so giving, she spent a weekend diving me to see my Dad in NJ. I really loved her.
God has a new angel in heaven.
My deepest sympathies to you all for your loss,
Ginny H
April 25, 2016
I have wonderful memories of Maryellen and me growing up "joined at the hip." We were not only cousins, but best friends. May the sunshine that was Maryellen help us all to cope with our loss. Love, Dona
April 25, 2016
May Maryellen's smile, laughter,and zest for life be within your hearts and memories forever. She will be the consummate artist in Heaven. With our condolence,Alicia & Roy
The Staff of Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home
April 25, 2016
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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154 Route 6A, Sandwich, MA 02563
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