Rochelle Keymer O’Donnell, as the oldest of four siblings, was born in Glendale, California on May 27th, 1941, to the late Louis and Shirley Keymer. She was raised in San Gabriel, California with her younger brother, Gary and younger twin sisters, Marilyn and Melody.
Rochelle attended McKinley and Jefferson Elementary Schools, and San Gabriel High School where she performed on the Pep Squad as a Cape and Flag Girl. College life took Rochelle to CA State Los Angeles where she completed a degree in Physical Education and a teaching credential. While there, she performed on the Flag Team and joined the Delta Beta Sigma sorority where she served as President and gained lifelong friendships.
She met her husband, Mike O’Donnell, during college and shared forty-eight wonderful years of married bliss. Together they raised two incredible sons, Ryan and Shawn.
Rochelle was a Physical Education teacher for over ten years until giving birth to her first son, Ryan in 1978. From then on, she became a devoted stay-at-home mother. Three years later in 1981, Rochelle gave birth to her second son, Shawn. In 2021, she was thrilled to gain her beautiful daughter-in-law, Rachael, married to Shawn.
Her immediate and extended families were the most important things to Rochelle. Many family functions and great memories were celebrated at the “O’Donnell Resort.” Nothing put a smile on Rochelle’s face quite like being with her children, nephews and nieces, and she adored being with them.
Rochelle will be remembered for her devotion to her family, for her positivity, leadership, dedication to community, supportiveness and generosity. She was an avid reader, a lover of the arts, music and flower arranging. Rochelle was a very talented piano player and accompanied her twin sisters wherever they sang, as well as played for all of Ryan and Shawn’s school productions.
Rochelle got a great deal of joy out of community involvement, remaining active in PTA at her sons’ schools, supporting the Newport Harbor High School football boosters, and volunteering as a docent at Sherman Gardens.
We cherish the sweetness of those who have hugged us, who have texted kind words, whose stories about Rochelle have made us laugh and cry, who have fed us and who have sacrificed their time for us. Thanks to so many who are holding us up in prayer. We know Rochelle is now at peace, and in a better place with her beloved Mike.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificviewcalifornia.com for the O'Donnell family.
