Obituary of Adelle Carolyn Orton (MacDonald), 94
Adelle Carolyn Orton (MacDonald).
– Adelle Carolyn Orton (MacDonald) passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, in Paso Robles, California. Adelle was 94-years-old and was born on April 28, 1931, to Astrid and William Campbell in Los Angeles, California, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. Adelle was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, William (Bill) MacDonald, second husband, Eugene (Gene) Orton, and firstborn daughter, Kristen C. MacDonald.
Adelle will be remembered by her family and friends as a beautiful person, her love for life, her unconditional love for her family, her passion for the Earth, nature and all living things, her love of learning and her compassion for those less fortunate. When Adelle was in the first grade, she contracted pneumonia and a series of other childhood illnesses causing her to miss most of the first grade.
During this time, her grandfather would tell her tales of his homeland, Norway, while she lay ill in her bed. However, even with this rough start to her formal education, through her resiliency and determination, she taught herself how to read and do basic mathematics through the workbooks that her mother provided. It was these early years and experiences that inspired her love of reading and learning. She excelled in school and went on to graduate from John Marshall High School in 1948; she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from UCLA in 1953; and her Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Fresno in 1988. Shortly after graduating from UCLA she married Bill MacDonald.
They eventually made their home in San Luis Obispo County and raised five children, creating a wonderful childhood for all of them…camping trips, Sunday outings, and great family dinners. Adelle encouraged and supported her children to pursue their interests, and each of them felt loved unconditionally…from childhood to adulthood. After her children were in elementary school, Adelle began her career path. From an early age inequality, poverty and people born with a condition that made life more difficult were the social issues that were important to her.
This passion to help others was evident in her career choices. These positions including working for Chris Jespersen School (a specialized school for children with special needs) in San Luis Obispo; The County of S.L.O. Department of Social Services as a Social Worker; and Atascadero State Hospital, first as a Psychiatric Technician, and then later, as a Clinical Social Worker. It was while she was working at A.S.H. that she traveled weekly to pursue her Master’s degree from Fresno State University (driving to Fresno, attending classes, camping overnight, then driving back the next day to go to work…all while she was in her mid-50s!). She hesitantly retired in 1989.
After retiring, Adelle and her second husband, Gene, enjoyed many activities together. They both loved nature, traveling, and camping, especially in their “Minnie Winnie”. They also shared a passion for cooking, photography, birdwatching, gardening, and music. Adelle especially loved classical music, Beethoven being her favorite composer. Up until Adelle was 89 years old, she would occasionally drive herself to San Luis Obispo from Paso Robles to listen to the San Luis Obispo Symphony practice before a performance.
Adelle and Gene belonged to the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club and were involved with the Unitarian Universalists of San Luis Obispo. Adelle, being a lifelong learner, continued going to workshops and classes, even after Gene’s passing. She especially enjoyed her Life Stories class…leaving behind many treasured stories for her family to enjoy. Adelle also enjoyed attending her women’s group that met monthly. Being a part of this group always uplifted her.
During the past three and a half years, Adelle resided in a wonderful assisted living home, All Season Care, in Paso Robles. Ana, Rench, and all of the staff were amazing…they kept her comfortable, content and she was definitely loved. Adelle’s family is truly grateful.
Adelle is survived by three daughters, Maureen Cummings of Nipomo, Laurie Martin (Russell) of Gaston, Oregon, and Kerry MacDonald of Paso Robles; one son, Neil MacDonald of Orcutt; six grandchildren, Sumer, Chandra(Joey), Austin, Ryan, Holly (Javier), and Cameron; nine great-grandchildren, Ashley (Cody), Tanner, Caleb, Kylie, Hailey, Jocelynn, Gabe, Maliyah and Nathan; and two great-great-grandchildren, Emmett and Hendrix.
A Celebration of Life graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Paso Robles District Cemetery, 45 Nacimiento Lake Drive, Paso Robles. Contributions may be made to the Sierra Club, or you may spread some wildflower seeds in Adelle’s honor, in lieu of flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune from Mar. 3 to Mar. 8, 2026.
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