Veryl H. Macdonald

Veryl H. Macdonald, 92, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. The sixth of eight children, Veryl was born in Mt. Holly Springs, Pa. on June 22, 1926, to Sue M. and James F. Hartzell. She graduated from Carlisle High School in 1943, and met her future husband, James J. Macdonald, of Waltham, Massachusetts, while he was an Army Air Corps cadet in training at Dickinson College. They married in 1944 and raised a family of seven children, while growing a business, which today is known as M&Z Carpet and Flooring.
One of Veryl’s favorite things in the early years was sewing beautiful dresses for her four little girls, and she was also known for her legendary apple pies. An active member of the First United Methodist church, Veryl taught Sunday School, was involved with the VIP and was active in Mother’s Club, the PTA, the Cumberland County Historical Society and the Scottish Society of Central Pennsylvania. She also enjoyed traveling with Jim.
Veryl will always be remembered for her kindness and thoughtfulness, her cheerful disposition, and her devotion to her husband and family and her Savior Jesus Christ.
Veryl is survived by six of her seven children, Sue Bender (Philip), Terry Downs (Bill), Wendy Oiler (Tom), James II (Joy), Ted (Linda), Steve (Laura), and Sally’s husband, son-in-law Carl Deangelo; 15 grandchildren 33 great-grandchildren, one sister Betty Pechart, and one sister-in-law Kitty Ernst, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Veryl was preceded in death by her husband James, and a daughter Sally DeAngelo, two brothers, and four sisters.
A service of Remembrance will be held at Carlisle United Methodist Church, 45 South West Street, Carlisle, PA, at 10:30 am, Friday March 8. There will be a time of visitation and fellowship following the service in the church’s Gathering Hall outside the sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sally’s Lambs, www.sallyslambs.org, which was inspired by Jim and Veryl’s daughter Sally.