PITTSFIELD – Ione Donnell, 70, passed away March 4, 2009, with her family by her side, at home after recently finding that she had lung cancer. She was born March 20, 1938, in Skowhegan, a daughter of Donald and Elizabeth (Loomis) Austin. Ione was raised in Pittsfield by Oral and Vanessa Pomeroy, along with their two children. She had been employed since age 16 for 35 years in area shoe shops. She also worked at the Cianbro office, Somerset Laundry, as a house cleaner and as cleaner at Pittsfield Community Theater for 10 years until her retirement. Ione will be remembered for her work ethic and heart of gold. She lived life to the fullest doing the things she loved with family and friends. Her family was the first priority in her life. She was also an avid bingo player. Ione is survived by her companion of 36 years, Ralph Langley; her three children, Maria Farmer and husband, Michael, of Detroit, Danny Donnell and fiancee, Katie Thill, of Colorado and Jack “Scott” and fiancee, Jerri Juzba, of Massachusetts; Ralph’s three children, Randy and wife, Julie, Michelle and husband, Bill, all of Monmouth and Renee of Missouri; 11 grandchildren, P.J., Sheena, Ben, Nicholas, Nicole, Kara, Dakota, Elizabeth, Gage, Mason and Konnor; two great-grandchildren, Samantha and Keon. She was predeceased by her ex-husband, Ray Donnell “all” of her parents; and her brother, Irving Austin. Memorial services will be 4 p.m. March 20, at First Congregational Church, Pittsfield. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport. Those who wish may sign an online guest register and leave written tributes at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
IONE (AUSTIN) DONNELL
