Virginia M. O'Donnell

1953 - 2016

Virginia M. O'Donnell, R.N.
Loving wife, mother, sister,

grandmother, and nurse

LOWELL -- Virginia M. "Gini" (Roper) O'Donnell, R.N., 63, of Lowell, died Sunday, October 2nd, at Lowell General Hospital, Saints Campus with her loving family by her side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Gini was the loving wife of Mark S. O'Donnell who survives her and with whom she celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on August 21st of this year.

Born in Tewksbury, MA, January 21, 1953, daughter of the late Albert and the late Mary (Donnelly) Roper. Gini attended Tewksbury schools and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from Lowell State College (NKA U/Mass Lowell) in 1975. Gini received her Master's Degree from Cambridge College in 2013.

Gini began her nursing career with the Lowell Visiting Nurses Association. She worked full time and on a per diem basis at St. John's Hospital (now known as Lowell General Hospital) for 30 years. She later became a school nurse in the Billerica Public Schools and worked there for 19 years.

She was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell.

Gini enjoyed watching and cheering for her three sons who participated in soccer, basketball and baseball. Although she enjoyed all three sports, baseball was her first love and the Red Sox were her favorite team. Gini enjoyed vacationing at Seabrook Beach in NH, cruising with her sister, Karen, and visiting Disney World in Florida with her family. She was an avid shopper with a keen eye for a bargain.

At a professional level, Gini was passionate about providing quality healthcare services to students at the Parker and Vining Schools in Billerica. She published a healthcare manual for the teaching staff and provided one-on-one assistance to parents.

Gini was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her laughter and sense of humor will be missed by all who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing her. Gini was truly, "one of a kind".

In addition to her husband, Mark, Gini is survived by her three sons, Christopher and his wife, Deborah O'Donnell of Atlanta, GA, John O'Donnell of Lowell, and Michael "Mikey" O'Donnell of Lowell; a sister, Karen Pringle, of Dracut; a brother, Albert "Skip" Roper and his wife, Cindy of Westford; two grandchildren, Ryan and Claire O'Donnell; a mother-in-law, Ann M. O'Donnell; a brother-in-law, Thomas J. O'Donnell and his wife Gail; two sisters-in-law, Deborah A. McLaughlin and her husband, Thomas, and Pamela A. Barry and her husband, Kevin; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gini's family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Lowell General Hospital, at both the Main and Saints Campuses, for their warm and compassionate care during this difficult time.

O'DONNELL -- In Lowell, October 3, 2016, at Lowell General - Saints Campus, Virginia M. "Gini" (Roper) O'Donnell, R.N. of Lowell, beloved wife of Mark S. O'Donnell. Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 3 to 7 P.M. Wednesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass to be celebrated Thursday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH in Lowell at 10 o'clock and her burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in North Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the American Cancer Society of Greater Lowell, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Arrangements by Funeral Directors, James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.