Patricia Ann O'Donnell

Patricia Ann O’Donnell passed away peacefully at her home in Fullerton on March 5, 2025. She was 93 years old. Patricia is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Valli O’Donnell; her daughter, Maureen Schuller; her granddaughters, Meghan Schuller, Molly Schuller, and Madeline Schuller; and her great-grandchildren, Ethan, Carter, and Millie. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Patrick Francis O’Donnell, in 2022.

A native Angelino, Patricia spent most of her life in Southern California, with treasured years also spent in Arlington, Virginia, and Madrid, Spain during WWII, as part of a military family. Wherever life took her, Patricia’s gift of developing new friendships traveled with her. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and often did.

Patricia attended Los Angeles High School, Los Angeles City College, and Immaculate Heart College. At L.A. City College, she met Patrick at the Catholic Newman Club, beginning a love story that would span nearly seven decades. They married in 1953 and, in 1963, put down roots in Fullerton to raise their family and dedicate themselves to teaching and service.

Patricia worked as an elementary school teacher in Santa Monica and later as a teacher’s aide at La Habra High School. Even after retiring, her energy never slowed. She played tennis well into her later years and volunteered with programs like Book Mobile and Meal on Wheels, finding new ways to connect with people, and staying involved in countless friendships that lasted through the years and miles.

A social spirit to the end, Patricia remained lively, curious, and full of warmth until just days before her passing. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, connection, and service, and a wide circle of friends and family who were fortunate to know her.

“A life well lived; a heart well loved.”

A Funeral Mass in celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on May 14, 2025, at St. Philip Benizi Church, 235 S. Pine Dr., Fullerton, CA 92833. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society