Obituary of Mary Jean O'Donnell

O’DONNELL - Mary “Jean”, 93, Amber Hills, Ebensburg, and formerly of Cresson, went to be with the Lord on May 23, 2020.  Born September 11, 1926, Munster Township, daughter of the late John and Beatrice (Farabaugh) Noel. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Alfred “Big Al” O’Donnell; siblings, Geraldine Diehl-Nagle, Lucille Barton, Laverne Tracy, Rita Rodgers, Mildred Duman, and Norma Rupp. Survived by her children Lawrence “Les” (Linda Caldwell) O’Donnell, Moseley, VA, and Thomas (Melita Pearson) O’Donnell, Ebensburg; two grandchildren Rachel (Jason) Loehr, Moseley, VA, and Brandon O’Donnell, Ebensburg; four great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Brayden Loehr and Colton and Dylan O’Donnell; and her sister Mary Hoppel, VA.  Jean raised her family in Cresson, and was a former member of Saint Francis Xavier Church and a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. She was a devoted Catholic and enjoyed working at Mount Aloysius College in the Admissions office and volunteering at All Saints Catholic School in the library, and the Veterans Hospital, Altoona.  Jean was an avid reader and pinochle player, enjoyed golfing, going to camp, knitting, sewing, relaxing on her porch swing, spending time with her family and especially her visits with her great-grandchildren, and time spent with Sarah McGlynn. In Ebensburg, she enjoyed living at Turner Apartments for five years and at Amber Hills with her roommate Margery Mayers, for the past two years, where her caregivers truly became her extended family. Due to current health restrictions, private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family, Fr. Brian Warchola, officiating.   Interment at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery, Cresson. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Amber Hills for their care and support and Grane Hospice for their compassionate care.  Donations can be made in Jean’s memory to Amber Hills Assisted Living at Cambria Care Center, 429 Manor Drive, Ebensburg, PA 15931 (Therapeutic Gardening Project) or the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart Province, 866 Cambria Street, Cresson, PA 16630. Arrangements are in the care of the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg.

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