In Memory Of
Virginia J. O'Donnell
1929
2020
Virginia J. O'Donnell
December 6, 1929 — May 13, 2020
Virginia Joan O'Donnell, 90, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2020 at the Teresian House.
Before marrying, Virginia was a receptionist for the Park Avenue advertising firm founded by Otto Kleppner (think Mad Men). During her career raising her children, she labored relentlessly and joyously in all forms of art and creativity - painting (her oils covered the walls of her home), sewing (everything from dolls' clothes to upholstery), crafts, calligraphy and most of all, cooking. Her creative side balanced against the analytic engineering talents of her beloved husband of fifty years. Many of her children and grandchildren inherited her passion for creative endeavors.
While in later years she lived in various assisted living residences due to dementia and increasing immobility, Virginia never lost her devilish wit, her love of Manhattans and chocolate, and being around people, especially her family.
At her last residence, Teresian House, her nickname was "Gorgeous Ginny." Virginia's family would like to express its sincere appreciation for all the care and affection the staff there gave her, especially in her final days when the challenges and losses due to COVID were overwhelming.
She was predeceased by her husband, John F. O'Donnell and her siblings Eleanor (Lawrence) Schiller, Thomas (Dorothy) Carroll, and Albert Carroll.
Virginia is survived by her children Maureen (William) Helmer, John (Nancy) O'Donnell and Joseph (Mary) O'Donnell, her grandchildren William (Jessica) Helmer, Catherine Helmer, Elizabeth Helmer, and Sean (Elizabeth), Timothy, Kevin and Hayley O'Donnell and her great-grandchild Malcolm Helmer.
Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Teresian House Foundation 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203 in Virginias memory.
Before marrying, Virginia was a receptionist for the Park Avenue advertising firm founded by Otto Kleppner (think Mad Men). During her career raising her children, she labored relentlessly and joyously in all forms of art and creativity - painting (her oils covered the walls of her home), sewing (everything from dolls' clothes to upholstery), crafts, calligraphy and most of all, cooking. Her creative side balanced against the analytic engineering talents of her beloved husband of fifty years. Many of her children and grandchildren inherited her passion for creative endeavors.
While in later years she lived in various assisted living residences due to dementia and increasing immobility, Virginia never lost her devilish wit, her love of Manhattans and chocolate, and being around people, especially her family.
At her last residence, Teresian House, her nickname was "Gorgeous Ginny." Virginia's family would like to express its sincere appreciation for all the care and affection the staff there gave her, especially in her final days when the challenges and losses due to COVID were overwhelming.
She was predeceased by her husband, John F. O'Donnell and her siblings Eleanor (Lawrence) Schiller, Thomas (Dorothy) Carroll, and Albert Carroll.
Virginia is survived by her children Maureen (William) Helmer, John (Nancy) O'Donnell and Joseph (Mary) O'Donnell, her grandchildren William (Jessica) Helmer, Catherine Helmer, Elizabeth Helmer, and Sean (Elizabeth), Timothy, Kevin and Hayley O'Donnell and her great-grandchild Malcolm Helmer.
Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Teresian House Foundation 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203 in Virginias memory.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Virginia J. O'Donnell, please visit our flower store.
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