O’DONNELL, LAURA CATHERINE
March 7, 1923 – April 25, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Laura Catherine (Porter) O’Donnell at the Nashwaak Villa, Stanley, NB. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side on April 25, 2015. She courageously dealt with Alzheimer’s disease over the last several years of her life but never lost her spirit, dignity or determination. She remained an inspiration to all who knew her.
Laura was born March 7, 1923 in Doaktown, NB to the late Arch and Ada (Price) Porter. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her brothers, Gerald Porter (and his infant twin brother at birth); sisters, Marjorie (Charles) Jonah and Orilla Canney.
She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Malcolm “Mac” O’Donnell Sr; their children, Donna (Wayne) Amos, Malcolm (Darlene) O’Donnell Jr. and Edwin (Mary) O’Donnell; grandchildren, Celinda (Chris), Melanie (Michael), Emily (Rodney), Courtney (Gavin) and Brett (Allison; great-grandchildren, Lexie and Brock.
She graduated from Doaktown Superior School and then graduated from Provincial Normal School in 1941. She taught school to multiple generations of families in Doaktown and the Upper Miramichi region until her retirement. Laura’s passion for teaching extended beyond the provincial school system as she also taught returning war veterans who wished to continue their education which had been interrupted by war. She also taught English to a young man from Vietnam and tutored many others.
Throughout her lifetime she received various awards for he contributions to her family, church and community. She was Founding and Charter Member of the Fredericton Chapter of the United Ostomy Association of Canada. She was an active member of the Anglican Parish of Ludlow and Blissfield, St. Andrew’s Church, Doaktown – vestry clerk, Assistant Treasurer, ACW member, Alter Guild, Sunday School Teacher and many other committees. Until these last few years she regularly sang with the church choir. She and Mac were original members of the Coachman Trailer Club and enjoyed many camping outings. In her spare time she enjoyed shopping, reading, travelling throughout Canada and many areas of the United States, knitting, sewing and various other crafts. She was a great cook and her children and grandchildren looked forward to her “graham wafer” pie, chocolate chip pumpkin cookies, peanut butter balls and whoopee pies. She cherished her time with her grandchildren. Laura was a kind, giving, thoughtful and compassionate woman. You would have liked her.
The family will receive visitors at Miramichi Valley Funeral Home, 7681 Route 8, New Bandon, NB on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Main Street, Doaktown on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 2 pm with Rev. Dr. Brian J. Spence officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Russell Hill.
Memorials may be donated to the Anglican Parish of Ludlow and Blissfield or the Alzheimer Society.
Personal condolences may be offered through www.miramichivalleyfh.com