Nancy Ann Lee McDonnell

Nancy was born on April 12, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan.  Much of her childhood was spent in St. Clair Shores where she attended St. Gertrude’s Catholic School for all of her education.  Upon graduating from high school, Nancy worked as an Administrative Assistant at Chrysler Corporation in Detroit.

In 1952, Nancy married Joseph J. (Jerry) McDonnell and together they raised their seven children.  Nancy took great pride in her family, making sure to attend all of her children’s school and extracurricular activities.  She was a fabulous cook and was happiest when preparing a Sunday dinner for family and friends.  Nancy enjoyed swimming, fishing, ice skating,gardening and playing cards.  She was also an avid Red Wings fan.

Besides raising her family, Nancy worked as a Red Cross volunteer for over 20 years at Bon Secours Hospital.  She also spent many years providing childcare for a family friend whose children became as special to her as her own.

Nancy’s final years were spent enjoying as much time as possible with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she loved and cherished.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Jerry and her son Joseph. She is survived by her daughter in law Rebecca McDonnell, Lee Harkaway(Paul), Patricia Convertino (John, deceased ), Cathleen Diehl (John), Timothy (Andrea), Sheila Roarty (John), and Michael (Jill), as well as 21 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.

A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated.

Nancy’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to her caregivers, Marlinda, Mary, and Nitche, for the kind and compassionate care they provided Nancy during her final days.

At Nancy’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Capuchins, Capuchin Soup Kitchen Development Office 1820 Mount Elliott Street Detroit, MI 48207   https://www.cskdetroit.org/online-donations" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.cskdetroit.org/online-donations">https://www.cskdetroit.org/online-donations