Helen MacDonald
October 1, 2014
Helen L. MacDonald, age 87 of Southern Pines died peacefully in her home Wednesday October 1, 2014. Helen was born November 22, 1926 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Evan and Catharine Lee Lester.
Helen graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She was a vibrant member of the Southern Pines community since 1979 and a longtime member of the Moore County Hunt. She volunteered at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Thrift Shop and at the Bargain Box.
Helen, beloved as Ma Byrd, and most recently by her great-grandchildren, "Byrdie," adored the many generations of her family, her dear and many friends, her horses, cats and dogs; music, art, and afternoon tea. She loved Duke basketball, Jeopardy! , admired Lionel Ritchie and Yo-Yo Ma. She will be missed forever by all who knew her.
She is survived by daughters Jean Blue of Southern Pines; Marjorie Downey of Aberdeen; grandchildren John Downey of Boston, MA, Katharine Corcoran of Columbia, SC; great-grandchildren Sarah Corcoran and Evan Corcoran. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth C. MacDonald and a son Kenneth J. MacDonald.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Powell funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date.
Powell Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the MacDonald Family.
Condolences: PinesFunerals.com
View current weather.
Tribute Video
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
To Helen’s Family,
I was so saddened to learn of Helen’s passing. We spent many an hour riding the trails on the Foundation and she was my inspiration. She showed me that you can, indeed, ride horses into your eighties! Helen always had a smi
Dear Jean, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hope the beautiful memories will help you during this difficult time.
God Bless!
Maria
Dear Jean and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Helen was
truly a wonderful person and a delight to be with. We have very fond memories of all the years at the barn, on the trails, and Middleton Place.
Jean,
We were so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May fond memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. Thinking of you.
Dear Jean:
I am truly sorry to hear about the unexpected passing of your sweet mom. I know how much you loved each other. Much love and hugs to you and your family during this difficult time.
FEATHERY PALM PLANT was sent by Bridgid and Megan Raleigh, Mark Stevens.
Words cannot express the heartfelt sympathy that we have in our hearts for all of you. Wish we could be there with you!
Lots of Love
Bridgid, Mark and Megan