Grace Moreyra O'Donnell

August 31, 1953 - January 24, 2025

Grace was born on August 31, 1953, in Havana, Cuba to Manuel and Clara Moreyra. Throughout her life, Grace was known for her strong spirit, compassionate and generous nature, fierce intelligence, and most of all, her dedication to her family, loved ones and her law enforcement extended family.

In 1974, Grace O'Donnell became the first Cuban female police officer hired by the then Dade County Public Safety Department. Though she retired in as a Major in 2010 after 36 years of service, she continued with public service as a Police Reserve Officer. She went on to foster and train “Sparky,” a stray dog rescued from Miami-Dade Animal Services Pet Adoption & Protection Center, establishing a second chance therapy dog training program that dispatches therapy dogs throughout the community to bring comfort and joy.

Grace spent many years involved in Girl Scouting and was honored by the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida for her efforts in building girls of courage, confidence, and character. As a member of the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (previous Chair), she assisted in obtaining funding for the opening of a Domestic Violence Intake Unit, provided workshops on domestic violence and women's healthcare, advocated for rights for victims of human trafficking and for other issues of concern to women. She also volunteered with Quilt Guild by the Sea to make and award quilts to veterans touched by war as part of the Quilt of Valor Foundation.

Grace devoted her life to focusing on things that truly mattered. As a pioneer for women in law enforcement, her achievements and success were reflected her significant effort and commitment. Of all the things she did in her life, nothing compared to being with family. She took great pride in caring for her family, always putting others first with love and selflessness, and making them proud every day. Throughout her life, she was committed to learning and growing, continuously furthering her education and seeking new knowledge to enrich her life and the lives of those around her. Above all, she was a constant source of love and inspiration, not only for her family but for her friends and everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Her giant personality left a lasting impression.

Grace will be deeply missed, and her impact will be felt for many years to come. She is survived by her husband, Retired Major James "Jim" O'Donnell, who also worked for the Miami-Dade Police Department and as a Reserve Officer, her daughters Michelle VanHuss and Erin O’Donnell, stepsons Daniel O’Donnell and Kevin O’Donnell, her grandchildren Natalie O’Donnell, Riley O’Donnell, Kelsey VanHuss, and Aubrey VanHuss, and other loving relatives.

A visitation for Grace will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, 11655 SW 117 Ave, Miami, Florida 33186. A Funeral Mass will occur Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, 14187 SW 72nd St, Miami, FL 33183.