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1927
2017
COLUMBIA - Helen Codington Macdonald passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 6, 2017.
Helen was born on October 12, 1927 in Wilmington, N.C. to the late Herbert Augustus Codington and Jessie Peck Codington. Raised in Wilmington, she graduated from New Hanover High School, attended Mary Baldwin College and the Maryland College for Women. Her brother John introduced her to the love of her life, Roderick Macdonald, Jr., and they were married on December 22, 1951. Over the course of her husband’s career, they lived in New Orleans, La., Louisville, Ky., and Richmond, Va. They moved to Columbia when Dr. Macdonald was appointed Dean of the USC School of Medicine in 1976. She was his devoted wife for 63 years until his death in 2014.
Throughout her life, Helen was an active volunteer and helped wherever she was needed. She was a devout Christian and led an unselfish life putting the needs of others before herself. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, where she served on the Altar Guild and worked in the bookstore. For many years, she and her husband volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the Columbia Garden Club, the Dianthus Garden Club, the Forget-Me-Nots, and various book clubs. She enjoyed bridge and gardening. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved spending time with her family and her beloved dogs. She was a gentle, caring mother and grandmother. We loved her dearly and she will be greatly missed.
Helen was predeceased by her husband, Roderick Macdonald, Jr., M.D., and her brothers, Herbert A. Codington, Jr. M.D. and John B. Codington, M.D.
She is survived by her five children, Roderick Macdonald, III (Jennifer), Anne M. Sumwalt (Robert), Alexandra M. Hazelton (James), Elizabeth M. Beal (Frank), and Margaret M. Fant (James); her nine grandchildren, Hunter Macdonald; Mackenzie Sumwalt; Frank and Callie Beal; Collins Hazelton; Claiborne, James, Roderick, and William Fant; and her sisters-in-law, Rose Macdonald, Ph.D and Martha Macdonald, Ph.D; and nieces and nephews.
There will be a private burial at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. A memorial service and reception will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the Chapel at Still Hopes Episcopal Home in West Columbia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Still Hopes Resident Assistance Fund, 1 Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169; or Pets, Inc., 1078 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine.
6 Entries
April 22, 2017
Sorry for your loss may friends and family carry you through this time of grief. 1john 4:16 God is love
April 13, 2017
Friend
Jane Douglass M. Hyatt
My deepest sympathy and love to Helen's family.
April 8, 2017
Susan & Jack Graybill
We send our sympathy and condolences to all the family of dear Helen, a gracious and lovely lady.
April 8, 2017
James & Constance Schultz
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15. Our love, thoughts, and prayers to Anne, Robert, Mackenzie, and extended family.
April 8, 2017
Katharine Byers
May my dear friend of 75 years find peace in the Lord. I will miss knowing she is in the same world, and I look forward to seeing her again.
April 6, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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