Suzanne Seeger DONNELL

DONNELL, Suzanne Seeger June 18, 1921- October 7, 2010 Sue Donnell of Escondido passed away peacefully on October 7th. Sue was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio where she attended the University of Toledo, graduating in Fine Arts, Literature and French. After college, to the protestations of her family, Sue enlisted in the U.S. Army as one of the first 300 women officers in what was to become the W.A.C., Women's Army Corps. She served in the Pentagon, and in her spare time, took flying lessons and flew single-engine planes. She was then transferred to Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg, California where she met Lt. Colonel John Birney Donnell, whom she married after the termination of WW II. Sue and John lived in La Canada-Flintridge, CA where she was active in the PTA in local schools, and in the Assistance League of Flintridge. She was a talented artist and seamstress, an avid golfer, and a soprano in the church choir. She also excelled at swimming and sailing, and especially enjoyed summers with family at Clark Lake, MI. At John's retirement in 1980 they moved to Escondido, CA where they had a small avocado grove. In 1981, Sue was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which eventually caused her to require a wheelchair. This did not confine her, though, as throughout the rest of her life she remained a pillar of energy, optimism and good cheer. Sue was self-sufficient and independent, attending various social and community functions. For the last 12 years of her life she lived at Redwood Town Court retirement home, where she attended classes and performance events, swam regularly in the pool, and always worked a volunteer job. She was known for her positive and generous spirit. Sue is survived by her sister Doris St. Clair of Bend, OR; her two children, Kathleen Donnell of Oakland, CA, Michael Donnell of Van Nuys, CA, and her stepdaughter Sheila Donnell of Fort Myers, FL;. five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of her Life will be held on Sunday, November 28 at 3:00 PM, at Mike's home at 14638 Cohasset Street., Van Nuys, CA 91405; phone: 323-633-4557. Donations on Sue's behalf may be made to: National MS Society Pacific South Coast Chapter 5950 La Place Court, Suite 200 Carlsbad, CA 92008 800-344-4867