BORN

1929

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Swan Funeral Home

1224 Boston Post Road

Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Kathleen O'Donnell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 19, 2016.

Kathleen E. Hannah O'Donnell aka THE DICKENS, Having a love of the four seasons and music the "Queen of Green" peacefully departed during the first seasonal snowfall on December 17 at 3:17pm in her treasured home while surrounded by family and listening to a song very dear, When Irish Eyes are Smiling.
Her life afforded her many great pleasures. She was born in Gowanda, NY on September 20,1929 and married the late Patrick Francis O'Donnell on December 27,1952 marking a new beginning. While residing in Niagra Falls, NY they welcomed three girls, Mary, Maureen and Patricia. Then the adventure began. The family relocated to New City, NY for five years then moved to Old Saybrook, CT for the last 47 years of Kay's life. As time flew by Kay volunteered at schools, coached softball, chauffeured and chaperoned, hiked the woods for miles, shopped the shops, enjoyed the Monkey Farm and proudly spectated at all the field hockey, basketball, and softball games in which all daughters participated. As a very patriotic lady, she was as proud of the American flag as she was her daughters. The annual summer trip was a favorite and required eight hours of driving from Old Saybrook to Hanford Bay, NY. With the main home on the Lake Erie waterfront cocktails and sunsets were enjoyed with old friends daily. Her adventuresome spirit took her to many parts of the world by planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships, motorcycles, river rafts, air boats, Winnebago, and her own feet. Some destinations she cherished are among a long list including all of Ireland, the Cotswolds, Key West, Death Valley, Monument Valley, Big Sur, New Orleans and Miami Beach. Always at the end of each excursion she happily returned to her most favorite place, her incredibly decorated home. Then along came two grandchildren, Kimberly and Kathleen from Mary and Kay's favorite son in law Tom Pickert, to which Kay would respond, "my only son in law". That didn't slow things down and soon the gang was off to France, the great west, Graceland and many other places. The grandkids loved the simplicity of Camp Grandma too where they enjoyed arts and crafts, animals, and camping on the family room floor with Grandma. Kay loved all animals, four and two legged alike. Having adopted numerous dogs, cats, snakes, birds, newts, turtles, rabbits, chameleons, turtles, snails and a duck throughout her life it was spoken by many that in their next life they want to be the dog that belongs to Kay O'Donnell. Her neighbor's dog April moved in over five years ago and has been Kays companion and guiding light for which we the family are grateful. Kay had lots of special friends and each would refer to her differently: sharp as a tack, a true gem, a great force, funny as hell, quite a gal, proud patriot, hard rock, Mrs. Mo, party chick, or mom. Kay had to adjust to difficult life changes between the untimely deaths of her husband Patrick, her daughter Maureen, her parents, and her great friend Queenie Sheehan in a short span of time. Her final years were also challenging and demanded fierce courage and perseverance which she proudly displayed to those who continued to surround her. Always with humor she consistently shouted orders from her favorite Queen B Elvis recliner and her home was never absent of a close friend or family member. She received daily phone calls from a faraway favorite Brandie Lugar who referred to Kay as "her favorite lady". To all those who helped us throughout the years and stood by Kay through thick and thin, leaves and moss, sun ups and sunsets, mounds bars and Reese's, ice cream and cheeseburgers, snow and plowing, laps and pit stops, constructive language references, dump runs, car rides, flying Kathleens, the gun and moon and life as she knew it, we the family and Kay herself THANK YOU. Eric you are one in a million, always helpful, a source of strength, and you brightened Grammy's every day. She is survived by her sister Eileen Fisher and her husband William of Holiday, FL , her brother Mike Hannah and his wife Jan of Albuquerque, NM and many nieces and nephews. Per Kay, "Its a real good bet the best is yet to come and wont that be fine."
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday December 28, 2016, at 11am, in St. John's RC Church 161 Main, Street Old Saybrook. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to SPCA of Connecticut.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

February 22, 2017

Amy Fraher

Dear Mrs O'D,

I'm sorry to learn of your passing. We go back about 40 years, my friend. And when I heard the news, a Pink Floyd lyric came immediately to my mind: 'Shine on, you crazy diamond...' I know you will.

You'll be missed.
Love
Amy

January 16, 2017

Nina ! Anni Ciullo

I will always keep you close to my heart !

January 16, 2017

Nina ! Anni Ciullo

My dear friend, your spirit will always shine bright within me, I will always remember the wonderful times with spent together, your natural ability to share your awesome personality with your friends and family will be remembered as we live on thru your spirit.
Many Blessings !!!

January 15, 2017

patrice stangel

Mrs. O'Donnell and sunset at the beach. They went hand in hand. One of my favorite things about moving back to Saybrook was seeing Mrs. O'Donnell at town beach watching the sunset. She was a hot ticket and always brought a smile to my face and my husband's. After she stopped coming the sunsets just weren't the same. I wish I had the pleasure of knowing her better but what I knew I loved. Saybrook is missing another shining star.

January 13, 2017

Douglas Cobb

Trish,

Heartfelt condolences to you, your sister, Mary and to your extended family regarding your Mom's recent passing, as well as belated condolences regarding your Dad's and Maureen's respective, FAR-too premature passing/s (I was unaware of either).

What a well-authored tribute to your Mom and an inspiring story of tragedy-to-triumph via her long, fulfilling, well-lived and meaningful life. May we all be at least somewhat-so resilient and/or fortunate.

It certainly seems as though your Mom, you, your family and close friends made every moment count. Though her final years may have been challenging, I'd imagine that she was quite appreciative of all of the time spent with her, in addition to all of the care and attention provided to her.

May your Mom continue to rest in peace, now back alongside Maureen and your Dad, throughout the sands of time...

Sincerely,

Doug Cobb


p.s. While viewing her wonderful video / photo collage, got a kick out of seeing the Queenie Sheehan photos.

Preaching to the choir, I'm sure, however, she, too, was a 'real piece of work' as she and the Sheehan 'harem' were a huge part of great OS summer RBIA beach life and parties for many moons.

(Took me a few moments to determine the O'Donnell-Sheehan connection: HAD to be sports and most likely field hockey!)

All the best in 2017 and beyond -

Doug

January 9, 2017

Brandie Lugar

To my favorite lady, you are my sunshine. Love you lots BrandieWine

January 6, 2017

Sharon Baldi

Trish and Mary, I am so sad to hear of the passing of mom. So odd that I stopped at the house a few days after Christmas as you were all on my mind. I had no idea that she had passed. I was so saddened to read of her passing in the harbor news. Your Mom and Dad will always be a major part of my childhood as well as my years at Bonaventure. I was fortunate to have their guidance during those formative years. Love Always,

January 1, 2017

CINDY Pitassi

So sad to hear the loss of Mrs .O'D. She was just awesome & loved seeing her cheering us on @ ALL out sporting events @ O.S.High Thoughts & prayers to Mary & Trish & Famiy God Bless...-GREENEY...

December 30, 2016

Dear Trish and Mary,

We were so sadden to hear about the passing of your beautiful Mom, she was a wonderful women ,neighbor and friend. May she rest in peace and may you find solace in your memories .
Hugs,
The Stalsburg's

December 27, 2016

Eileen Fisher

Beloved Sister, Kay. Rest in Peace and take with you the knowledge that you were and will always be, deeply loved. You will always be in my heart and my prayers, - always a big part of who I am. My love to you always, my dear sister and our combined love from our family to yours.

December 23, 2016

Diana and Jerry Brophy

So sad to hear the passing of "Kay." She was one of a kind for sure, the Life of the Party, and a Real Pistol. No flys ever landed on her. It has been a gift to know her and her terrific family. Know we are thinking of you. Xoxoxo Diana and Jerry (Mr. and Mrs. B)

December 23, 2016

Dave and Mary Baldwin

We are sorry for your loss and thinking of you with sympathy.

December 21, 2016

Susan Osborne

Dear Mrs OD you were never far from my thoughts, so many wonderful memories with you and your family and my oldest and dearest friend your daughter Trish. I think my favourites are of Trish's 9th birthday you and Mr OD fussing over us with big bowls of candy and years later you and my husband getting into some cheeky Irish banter with each other. You had an entertaining quick wit and dry sense of humour that just cracked us up you will be ver missed by family and friends. I know you will be looking after us ....... In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing. Take care Mrs OD, and say hi to my dad for me xoxo

December 21, 2016

So beautifully written...I pray your hearts be at peace Trish,Mary and the rest of the family.

lovehugs~Aile

December 21, 2016

Mike Hannah

Beautiful words for my sister Kay. We, too, will miss her greatly. Mary, Patricia and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we stand by to help however and whenever we can. We love you, Uncle Mike and Aunt Jan, cousins Joe and John.(Albuquerque, NM)

December 21, 2016

Katie Colquhoun Stavola

What a beautiful tribute to an amazing lady. I can't help but smile as I read this. Rock on Mrs. O'D. You will be missed. Sending love to Trish and the entire O'D Family.

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Dec

28

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. John's RC Church

CT

Funeral services provided by:

Swan Funeral Home

1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

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