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Joseph Edward McDonnal

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University of Washington

Joseph McDonnal Obituary

Joseph Edward McDONNAL Burial for Joseph McDonnal, who died on January 31, 2011, will take place on Wednesday, February 16, at 2:00 o'clock p.m. at Calvary Cemetery. Funeral service was held on February 10 at St. James Cathedral. Full obituary printed on February 9 in the Seattle Times.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Feb. 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph McDonnal

18 Entries

Gary Volk

February 25, 2011

I only met Joe once 25 years ago but I was amazed to be in the presence of such an articlate, caring, and creative human being. I was deeply touched by that one encounter.

Ned Heagerty

February 22, 2011

Joe made life art. I knew him first in the context of work. He guided with the understanding that what we undertook must be done as tastefully and with all the skill one could muster. Time be dammed. The result - he created beautiful settings, memorable celebrations and wonderful food. Personally, he became a dear friend. I will always remember him for the small touches he created - personal and professional - which now are true gifts.

Bill Pritchard

February 16, 2011

I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing! He has a special place in the Pritchard Family; generously providing wonderful opportunities and experiences over the years.

I am delighted that we were able to spend some time together over the holidays!

Fondly,

Jaci Applewhite

February 10, 2011

Virgina,

Frank and I were so saddened to hear of Joes passing. We sincerely pray that the warm memories help to soften your sorrow and your faith help you to face each and every day.

Frank and Jaci Applewhite

nancy sternoff

February 9, 2011

my dear virgina,
although we left seattle so many years ago, joe remained so central to our memories. my caterer and party man par excellence. he loved david so much, and he brought me so much joy for so many years. may you be comforted by the fact that so many people adored him. i'll bet he and david are already planning meals and parties in the great hereafter.
best to you all, nancy schwartz sternoff

Alicia siegel

February 9, 2011

Joe was very dear to the extended Marjorie Siegel family. We remember when he lived with Marge when he came back to Seattle and he would cook fabulous meals for the family. We were so lucky. Great memories of Marge laying on the chaise at The Ruins while Joe brought out a cake blazing with candles and treating her like a queen. We adored Joe and will remember his amazing spirit. Ralph and Alicia Siegel (Chicago)

Carolyn Wyman

February 9, 2011

Joe always had a smile on his face and inspired all of us to do what we loved doing. He created so much beauty and joy in all of our lives. We all will miss him. May he rest in peace, love and joy. Sending much love to Virginia.

Laura Dewell

February 9, 2011

From Joe, I learned not just to cook and to love cooking for others, but also to appreciate and strive for perfection in detail and service. He taught by example,the art of graciousness, humility and elegance. I worked for Joe in the early 80's at MPC on Yesler; the parties and events were over the top, splendid and the stuff of MANY stories still told today.

I had the honor of watching Joe and Virginia's relationship and partnership grow.

Joe was a man with a powerful personality and soft heart; he never "settled" it always needed to be "the best"; no vision was ever unachievable. He had a sense of humor and of irony; Joe was my first real mentor, as he was for many others I think. He lived his life fully and completely, he gave as much to those he touched. There will always be the memory of Joe.

Michele Lussier

February 8, 2011

Joe was very dear to me , he gave me my 1st job at Market Place Caterers when I moved to Seattle from NYC. Joe and I met again when he was opening up the Bistro at the Ruins and I had the privilege of being his Bistro chef for another 8 years.
I admired and respected Joe beyond words. His style of entertaining exceeded everyone's expectations. His imagination, flare for style , elegance and fun was unique to Seattle and he will be truly missed.
I will always think of Joe as the King of Caterers and a Dear Friend.

michael peters

February 7, 2011

I started working for jo and virginia in 1994 the first time we met he had his famouse smile right off he was very nice to me and that what i liked about jo. for 11 years i had the privlige to work for jo he taught me alot about being a deditcated worker and he had a creed that he wanted all his workers to follow to be the best and do 100 percent. he also was one of the kindest human beings i ever met also a very generouse man who helped me and my family out when i worked for him so i will never forget jo the catering, and resteruant establishments lost a very class act and we will miss him rest in peace my friend jo michael peters.

Jean Godden

February 7, 2011

Joe was an original, a lover of music, ballet, good food, great wine and stimulating conversation. We will miss him and his talents more than we can say.

Fritzie and Marco Vitulli

February 6, 2011

I have had the priviledge of knowing Joe from the time he worked for Jim Crissey. He used to remind me how we would meet and smoke cigarettes together. He was dashing then and remained so throughout his life. We were fortunate as a family to have had many special birthdays and weddings both on Yessler Ave and at the Ruins. He was a mentor and employer to one of my daughters. Joe had the ability to make us feel like each event was the most important event he was ever going to do. His charisma will be forever remembered, his talents cannot be surpassed, his memory and his love will always live on. He will be missed.
May the peace of The Lord be with Joe and also with you Virginia. May The Lord protect you and keep you under His wing. You both will remain in our prayers.

February 5, 2011

Joe was the style-setter for elegance and good times around food since we first met him at the Corner Market. And when he greated us it was with so much affection that we returned with love. And love to you , Virginia.
Pam and Paul Schell

Veronica Julian

February 4, 2011

I met Joe in 1989. he gave me my first real job. Joe was always ..such a perfectionist and he passed that on to me. Joe helped me out in so many ways..too many to mention. Joe was not only my employer he was my family. He always treated my son Rafael very well. We even argued like family and then apologize to each other..Joe could be very hard at times..but ..I think it was a front. I saw the softer side of Joe... especially when he first me my son. Joe I'm not much of a scholar....but you will be missed very much by Rafael and myself. You gave so much to both of us.... I love You Joe

Barbara Lippert

February 4, 2011

What a fortunate turn of events it was for me to have had the opportunity to work with and for Joe & Virginia. They certainly raised the bar and taught me many things. I still make several of the food delights I learned at Market Place Caterers. Being around Joe and in his kitchen, it was frantic in a fun way. No event was ever just simple - it was an experience. His big heart and sense of humor was only a sampling of his many attributes. He has been missed for a long time but now it really hits home.

Barbara Swanson

February 4, 2011

I have had the pleasure of working for Joe for 15 years,now. In that time through all of the kaos and triumphs he has helped me to be a better cook than I could ever hope to be. He is one of a kind and will forever have a very special place in my heart for all time..I don't know of anyone that he knew that was not touched by him....in the best way..
Reast well, my friend.....
Barbara Swanson

Christopher L

February 3, 2011

Countless gifts of talent blessed this rare spirit, who in turn blessed our community by spreading his talents all around and bringing pleasure and delight to all those lucky enough to bask in the glow of his splendid creativity and spirited hospitality.
Dearly beloved Joe, all of us whose lives
you've enhanced will miss you and thank you forever. And blessings, too, to Virginia,
who immersed you, Joe, in the rarest care and cherishing love imaginable.
Heartfelt wishes from a long-time fan,
Christopher L.

Ki Gottberg

February 3, 2011

An impresario of joy and entertainment, a man who knew how to LIVE! With his beautiful face and cackling laugh, he was an absolute connoisseur of pleasure. Joe made countless weddings, parties and events beyond perfect, including our own wedding 23 years ago. Heartfelt condolences to Virginia; we can only imagine how hard it is to let him go. Ki Gottberg & Marty Cole

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