PRESQUE ISLE – Edna B. O’Donnell, 100, joined her husband of 67 years on Nov. 23, 2003, at a Presque Isle healthcare facility. She was born Dec. 1, 1902, in St. Leonard, New Brunswick, the daughter of Jack and Marie (Violette) LaPointe. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir. Edna was born and raised on a large farm in St. Leonard, New Brunswick. She reminisced of her happy childhood years with her many brothers and sisters. The excitement of her dad’s saloon, fox farm, the ferry which crossed the St. John River, and the many happy moments spent with her mother helping with the boarders, watching her mother weave and spin wool into yarn and blankets. Her employment before marriage varied from working in a hat shop to being a switch-board operator, walking from her home in St. Leonard to Van Buren, where she met her husband, Tom. During her early years of marriage, she helped on the dairy farm and also took in boarders while her husband Tom managed the Fort Kent A&P Store. After her family had left home, Edna enjoyed keeping busy by sewing for many in the Presque Isle area. She will be remembered for her work with the Daughters of Isabella, clowning around during their rummage sales and church bazaars. She is survived by six sons, Howard O’Donnell and his wife, Paula, of Deltona, Fla., Thomas O’Donnell Jr. of Exeter, N.H., Philip O’Donnell of Beverton, Ore., Gene O’Donnell of Hampton, Va., James O’Donnell of Naples, Fla., and Timothy O’Donnell and his wife, Carolyn, of Crouseville; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great- great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by an infant son, Patrick; two daughters-in-law, Alice O’Donnell and Ruth O’Donnell; and a special friend, Annie Madore. The family would like to thank the Presque Isle Nursing Home staff for the love and respect they showed our mother during her stay. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2 p.m. Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Presque Isle, with the Rev. Alfred Irving officiating. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until time of service at the church. Interment will be in St. Mary’s North Main Street Cemetery. In lieu of flowers those who wish may donate in her memory to the Sister Mary O’Donnell Shelter, P.O. Box 813, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Arrangements in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.
EDNA B. O’DONNELL
