Elaine M. O'Donnell

Elaine Marie O’Donnell, nee Bruck, died peacefully on October 26 in Flushing, New York, surrounded by her loving family. Elaine was born July 18, 1926 in Elyria, Ohio, the eldest of six children of Raymond and Freda (Kothe) Bruck. She studied at St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame, where she was named one of the most versatile members of her class, and continually amazed her friends with her ability to find time to play basketball despite participation in concerts, operettas, and dramatic productions. After Graduation, she briefly worked at a school for troubled girls in West Hartford, CT, before moving to Osaka, Japan to teach English. It was there she met her beloved husband, the late James F. O’Donnell, who was serving in the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps, and they married in 1955 in her hometown.

Elaine taught elementary school for twenty-five years in New York City Public Schools. She loved her profession and had a passion for education that never diminished. Her faith in God was unwavering; she was an active member of the Church of Mary’s Nativity and “The Belles of St. Mary’s “musical troupe. She enjoyed her retirement to the fullest, spending more time with family and pursuing her passions. She became a dedicated genealogist; researching and writing prolifically about relations from Ohio to Ireland. She was an avid knitter and enthusiastic reader, but what she loved most was re-connecting with lifelong friends and relatives. She and her late husband traveled across the country visiting friends, researching ancestors, and relaxing on family vacations. She relished the time she spent with her grandchildren and took every opportunity she could to lead the family in a sing-a-long.

In her final years, Elaine’s deep trust in the Lord helped her battle several illnesses, and her mind never failed her. She spoke often of the joy she would feel being reunited with the love of her life, Jim, and her beloved parents, grandparents, and brother, Sonny, in Heaven. Her family is immensely grateful for her wonderful caretakers who provided her daily support and love.

Elaine is survived by four cherished children and their spouses; Mary Mongelli of Belle Harbor, NY; Amy and John Reuther of Wilton, CT, Anne and James Galinsky of Madison, CT, and James E. O’Donnell of Northport, NY; and ten grandchildren; Heather O’Donnell, Megan O’Donnell, Lauren Galinsky, Guy Frank Mongelli, Dana Mongelli, Leah Galinsky, Devon O’Donnell, Ryan Reuther, Gregory Galinsky, and James D. O’Donnell. She was sister and confidante to Daniel Bruck, Ann Close, Freda Schneider, Brenda Mettler, and the late Raymond Bruck Jr., all of Ohio, and mentor to many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives were touched by her generosity and love.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 30 at Quinn-Fogarty Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens from 2-5PM and 7-9PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, October 31 at Mary’s Nativity Church at 10:45am with Burial to follow at Mount St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Elaine may be made to Saint Mary’s College, Development Office, 110 Le Mans Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-5001 or www.saintmarys.edu/about/invest-in-saint-marys