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Ione Donnell Obituary
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 the 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 her husband, Michael, of Detroit, Danny Donnell and his fiancée, Katie Thill, of Colorado, and Jack "Scott" and his fiancée, Jerri Juzba, of Massachusetts; Ralph's three children, Randy and his wife, Julie, Michelle and her husband, Bill, all of Monmouth, and Renee of Missouri; 11 grandchildren, P.J., Sheena, Ben, Nicholas, Nicole, Kara, Dakota, Elizabeth, Gage, Mason and Konnor; and 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 take place at 4 p.m. March 20 at the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport. Those who wish may sign an online guest register and leave written tributes at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ione Donnell
Nancy McGinnis
March 13, 2009
Ralp, Danny, Scott, Maria,
Words alone can't express the sadness you have to be feeling for the passing of your dear Mom and Friend. I pray God will give you peace and let you feel his love through the difficult days ahead as only he can do. I grew up with your Mom and she was a beautiful person and a woman who truly loved her family.
God Bless you all.
Nancy (Mercier) McGinnis
Greg & Braunda Folsom
March 11, 2009
Ralph and family,we are so sorry to hear of your loss. May you have wonderful memories to comfort you.
Betty & Stan Brooks
March 11, 2009
Danny, Maria,Scott,
I remember the many times I babysitted you three and how much I enjoyed your Mom laugh. She was a great caring person and she will be sadly missed. God will give you the strenght she is in a new home now where the angels are singing. With our love and prayers hope to see you
Dakota and Gramma in 2008
Danny, Katie, Dakota, Austin and Chase Donnell
March 10, 2009
There are few people in life who are completely selfless, are the salt of the Earth, who are honest and true and who possess a quiet strength that in and of itself demands respect and recognition. You were all of these, and one of the kindest and most gentle angels who walked the Earth... now you walk among the angels in Heaven. You will forever be in our hearts Mom and in those of all of the lives you have touched in your journey through life. Thank you. We love you.
Sandra Friend
March 10, 2009
To the family of Ione,
I have known Ione since she was a very young girl and we spent many nights together as young preteen girls in our old neighborhood on West Street. She was a warm and caring person with a heart of gold and I know you were blessed to have her in your life.
May God bless you and keep you. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sandra Mercier Friend
Gloria Mc Nichol
March 10, 2009
To Ione's Family,
I've known Ione for a long time, I'm so sorry, she loved her Family so much..You are in my thoughts with lovely concern and deepest Sympathy..
Love Glo Mc Nichol
Amy McPherson
March 10, 2009
Dear Dan, Scott, Maria and Ralph...Words can not express how deeply saddened I am for your loss. As you already know Ione was a truly remarkable woman and although it has been several yrs since I was involved with the family, we stayed in contact and she ALWAYS expressed how proud she was of you all, and her grandchildren as well. She always had a warm hug and a big smile. With so much love in her heart and a kind word for everyone, I was truly shocked when I found out about her illness last tues and will always regret not getting the opportunity to see her last week. I hope that you can all find the strength to heal and remember the good times, not the last couple weeks. With love to you all...Amy
Nancie Breau-McLeod
March 9, 2009
Maria, Dan and Scott,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Your mom was a wonderful person who loved you all so much.
Floyd & Trudy Humphrey
March 9, 2009
Dear Danny, Maria, and Scott,
We were so sad to hear about the loss of your dear Mom Ione. We both thought the world of her, and we'll miss not seeing her around town. She really loved and cared about all of you so much !
With Sympathy and Love,
Nancy (Bertrand) Shorey
March 8, 2009
Danny - I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I want you to know that we spoke of you often in Bud's and she was always so proud of you and I know she loved you very much. Keep her always in your heart and in your memories as it makes it easier to bear the loss. Thinking of you.
Dawn Watson (LaRochelle)
March 8, 2009
Maria and family,
I send my sincere condolences in the loss of your mom. I lost my own mom 2 weeks ago so I share the same sadness. Its been years since we saw you last but you know we love ya.
Dawn and family
Lynsie Crossman(padgett)
March 7, 2009
Scott and Family;
I went to MCI with you a long time ago and have fond memories of your mom. She was such a wonderful person. As a dorm student living away from home she always made me feel welcome when I was visiting.
May all your wonderful memories of your mom give you comfort and strength in this trying time.
Holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Susie (Reynolds) Furrow
March 7, 2009
Danny, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
Pearl Killam Colford
March 7, 2009
I am very sadden to hear of the loss of Iona. I knew Iona when we were both very young children, and I have always cherished those memories. My thoughts and my prayers are with her family.
Marian Dressler
March 6, 2009
Our love and prayers are with all you. We were so saddened to hear of Ione's sudden illness and untimely death. Dan and Dakota have become part of our family and we love them dearly. We are so thankful for the wonderful , caring love Ione gave to Dan, which he shares with us today.
She will always remain very special in our hearts.
Love and prayers,
Bob and Marian Dressler and Lynne Martin
(Katie's Mom, Dad, and sister)
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