Mary E. O'Donnell

Mary O’Donnell, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on June 16th, shortly after a cancer diagnosis. Her humor, faith, generosity, and sharp wit that led her through life continued in her final days.

Mary was born in Batesville, IN on July 20, 1942 to Hilda and William Ripperger. She was the seventh of eight children and grew up in Richmond, IN. In her early adult life, she moved to Indianapolis, IN where she attended Marian University. She married James O’Donnell in 1965 and together they raised three children: Michael, Molly, and Shannon.

Mary deeply adored her friends and family. They meant everything to her. She had an extraordinary connection with her grandchildren, fostering a deep bond filled with love, good-humor, quick wit, and of course, homemade cookies. Mary also cherished each of her many nieces and nephews- her love for them is eternal. She loved hosting countless family events, holidays, and celebrations including card games (with her brother Bob’s rules in place), backyard badminton tournaments and most importantly, IU basketball games. Her gracious hosting and cooking earned her a feature in an Indianapolis Star article.

Mary worked for the IRS for decades and transferred to Atlanta to be close to family. She lived in Atlanta from 2001-2015 and loved living there even though she never considered herself a southern belle. She became an avid University of Georgia football fan as it was her granddaughter’s alma mater. There were memorable visits from her grandchildren who traveled to see her. She attended many of her granddaughter and grandson’s sports games, fixed many meals and was active in the local parish including Meals on Wheels. She did post-retirement work at Bloomingdale’s where she earned a “Golden B” award for excellence.

Upon moving back to Indianapolis in 2015, she became involved in programs at St Pius X where she attended for many years and volunteered at St. Augustine Little Sisters of the Poor where her beloved mother spent her last years.

Mary is reunited with her parents and siblings Helen Lawler, Rev William Ripperger, Rev Harold Ripperger, and Carroll Ripperger. She leaves behind a legacy of immense love, laughs, and cherished memories.

Mary is survived by her three children, Michael O’Donnell (Cherryl), Molly Jessen, and Shannon FitzGerald (Edward), grandchildren Taylor O’Donnell, Fallon O’Donnell, Ryan O’Donnell, Payton O’Donnell, Abby Jessen, Sam Jessen, Jack FitzGerald (Kelly), Connor FitzGerald, Colleen FitzGerald, and Bridget FitzGerald, great-grandson Owen FitzGerald, brothers Edward Ripperger (Rosanne), Louis Ripperger (Jane Ann), and Robert Ripperger (Kathy). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 29th at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 4100 E. 56th St. Indianapolis, IN 46220. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, consider donating to Little Sisters of the Poor- St Augustine’s, or Roundup River Ranch, a Paul Newman, Serious Fun Children’s Network Camp for children with serious illnesses.