Patricia Joan McDonnell

Patricia J. McDonnell, 84, of Lakewood Colorado, passed away on August 27, 2019 with family at her side. She was born in Jasonville, Indiana on October 22, 1934 and graduated from Midland High School in 1952. She was the daughter of the late Cecil Earl and Blanche St. John Moss. Patricia was preceded in death by the following: her loving husband of 55 years Gary R. McDonnell. In-laws – RC and Helen McDonnell, sister-in-law to John Richard and Winifred McDonnell, Sister Judy Harvey (husband Jim), Brother Thomas Moss (wife June). Granddaughter to Indiana State Senator Clayton Earl and Elizabeth Ellen Moss, Step-mother May Moss and Henry and Della Cloe St. John. Patricia is survived by the following: Daughter Patty and Rick Sheil, grandson Christopher and wife Kate Sheil, Great-grandchildren Carson and Cameron Sheil, granddaughter Devan and husband Jeromy Moorehead. Son Michael and Amy McDonnell, granddaughters Paige Orcutt, Brooke and husband William Beecher. Son Brett McDonnell, granddaughters Peyton, Torre and Isabella McDonnell. Sister Lynne and Tony Erdly, Sister Jane and Bob Mitchell. Aunt of John and Linda McDonnell, Maren and Dean Hubble along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Patricia grew up a coalminer’s daughter and met the love of her life Gary, as teenagers playing hide and seek. After marriage she dedicated her life to her husband and children. She was the wife and mother you dream of, dedicated, committed, funny and loving. She was a great cook, even with a few burned hot dogs and hard donuts mixed in along the way. As a professional she sold herself short because she put Dad’s career first. She was heavily involved in the Colorado State Legislatures office for several years followed up by a 25 year career as a Real Estate Broker. She was a member of the Tri Kappa Sorority in Jasonville, Indiana, Philo Club in Loveland, Colorado and Optimist Club in Lakewood, Colorado. She was homeowner’s President for Valley View, Southern Gables and Country Village Estates neighborhoods. As a broker she was recognized as a top agent several times but always deflected the attention back to Dad’s accomplishments with the City of Lakewood. That was the kind of woman she was, more concerned about others than her own success. Mom adored her grandkids and needless to say, they all loved staying with grandma and grandpa because she let them get away with everything they couldn’t do at home. She would say “that’s what grandmothers are for”. Throughout her life Patricia put other people’s needs before her own and was the rock of this family. She supported us through the good times and the bad and always had a shoulder to lean on. We rejoice that she is with Dad in Heaven. I will be your God throughout your lifetime .. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. ISAIAH 46:4 NLT.