Jeanne Eleanor O’Donohue, 84, affectionately known as “Oma”, passed into eternal life on Sunday, October 4th, just one day after her 62nd wedding anniversary to her dear Jerry (Opa) whose death preceded her almost five years ago.
Jeanne, the third oldest of five Sullivan children, was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 18, 1942, to Irish parents, Joseph and Margaret Sullivan.
Oma had a great love and respect for life. She nurtured her 11 children and their spouses, 55 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren in a way that made them feel like she poured all her love into each one of them. Additionally, she worked for many years as a beloved teacher of autistic children. She also was an unwavering advocate for the unborn.
Oma’s legacy of selfless love has impacted and transformed the lives of countless people. She never forgot a detail that meant something to those around her and had an efficacious love that brought others to the heart and joy of Christ. Her faith was of the utmost importance to her and her life a true reflection of Christ’s commandment given at The Last Supper, “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). Those who knew her are forever changed for the better and rejoice in the great privilege of her Christ-like love.
She is survived by her 11 children, Shane, Brendan, Siobhan (Rick Herrmann), Corrigan (Sandy), Deirdre (Jeff Dolowy), Garrett (Noelle), Columcille (Cassi), Declan (Dina), Liam (Kathryn), Kiernan, and Kian (Christina); 55 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren with more on the way. She is also survived by siblings Carol Sullivan, Peggy Gray, Joseph Sullivan, Mike Sullivan (Joan)as well as sisters-in-law Margaret Whitehead, Mary O’Donohue, and Joan Buchanan and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, her parents, brothers-in-law Daniel, Kenneth Whitehead, Thomas Buchanan, and Gary Gray.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, October 8th from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Home (37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152) with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church (47650 N Territorial Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170 on Friday, October 9th at 10:30 a.m., in-state at 10:00 a.m.
