Time is precious, a precious gift that is often gone unnoticed.
Born in Joliet Illinois on May 10, 1927 to Clarence and Emma Rowley, her lineage goes back to the Mayflower. She lived in Plainfield until 1953. She graduated from Aurora College in 47 and was employed at Plainfield Grain Co as a bookkeeper, while on the weekends playing the organ at the roller skating rink. After losing her 1st husband in the Korean war she went to Hawaii to visit her college roommate Ginny, when she met William J. ODonnell Jr. and they were married August 19, 1954. As a military wife she traveled the world with their 3 children Debbie, Susy and Billy. They retired after 22 yrs to Lake Worth where she worked as a Library Assistant at Lake Worth Jr. High. She opened Bills Beer Barn in West Palm Beach in the 80’s and retired from the school system to enjoy her grandchildren. She remained an active member of Lake Worth Congregational Church joining the Ladies Guild until their move. 1992 Hurricane Andrew hit, she was an intrical part of the rescue for 5 months transporting over 1000 animals at Andrews Ark.
In 2000 she moved to Port St. Lucie by her grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband William J ODonnell Jr, her parents Emma and Clarence Rowley, her brother Jim Rowley, Honey and Bob Burch. She is survived by her daughter Deborah June ODonnell-Puckett, Margaret Susan Edmunds (Richard), son William J. ODonnell III (Mary). Her grandchildren Daniel ODonnell (Amanda), Ashley ODonnell, Richard Edmunds, Myles ODonnell, Hailey Edmunds, and Griffin ODonnell. Her great- grandchildren Alison and Josh ODonnell, neices and nephew. She also leaves behind her best friend of 60 years Lorraine Lentsch.
Services will be held Dorsey-E. Earl Smith Funeral home & Memory Gardens on Saturday 2/15/20 with viewing from 1-2, internment at 2 and food will be served following the service.
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