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Vera O'Donnell Obituary
Preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles. Loving mother of Joan O'Donnell, RSM; Bud O'Donnell and daughter in-law Sue; Marilyn O'Donnell-Valencia and son in-law, Max; Diane O'Donnell; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister of Robert Costello (deceased).
Full-time mother and housewife; Volunteered 22 years in neo-natal intensive care unit at UCSF; Active participant in Holy Name church activities; welcomed refugees; served at Martin De Porres House of Hospitality.
We thank Vera's caregivers: Nida, Judy, and Vitas Hospice.
Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am, Monday, February 2 at Holy Name Parish Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Name Parish Church.
In time, we will all meet at the ocean!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vera O'Donnell
Ceil Feldstein-Edwards
February 2, 2015
To the O'Donnell family -
41st Avenue - such wonderful memories. As I read this guest book I can't help but think how important Vera was to all of us who lived on 41st during our
growing up years. I remember running back and forth across the street and Vera & Charles always welcoming us into their home never turning us away even when there was a group of us kids. So many memories, so many stories! Vera was such a big part of our lives.
Vera, thank you for the memories..
February 1, 2015
Joan,Bud,Marilyn,Diane and all the family,
Know your neighbors from across the street on 41st are with you in prayers and special memories from the 4th of July ,one foot off the gutter ,bikes, sweaters, treats from our moms and dad who are now having a great reunion on the other side of the ocean! What a gift to have wonderful memories from the early 40's until today . All of the Power's, Mary Lou, Barney, Kathy and Aileen pray for each of you ,the fullness of peace for your MOM and DAD and a wonderful Block reunion whem we are called home,too.
Mass is offered for you Mom and DaD and all of you are in our hearts and prayers
Lenore Lamey
February 1, 2015
It was always such a pleasure to see Mrs. O'Donnell after mass at Holy Name on Sunday. She always had something nice to say to my sister and I. She will surely be missed.
Lenore and Jean Lamey
Kathleen Safford (Slavazza)
February 1, 2015
Vera was my family's dear friend and next door neighbor for over fifty years. Her kindnesses were genuine and countless, and impacted our lives decade after decade. Vera was a volunteer at UCSF, and was so beloved by the staff that they asked for her portrait to be included on their wall of " women who have made significant contributions". It was hung in between Mother Theresa and Indira Gandhi and remains there today.
Charlotte & Norton Feldstein
February 1, 2015
What a great day it was for us to move to 41st Avenue in 1961.
Vera came across the street and welcomed us to the neighborhood. We loved the love that Vera had for Charles, as Charles had for Vera. Jitterbugging, they were such good dancers at Holy Name dances and our wonderful block party at Sabella's. Looking back it was probably the best time of our lives, everyone involved with each other, not only neighbors but friends
In our eyes, all you O'Donnell's are still young kids.
Take all your memories and continue to have pleasant thoughts of your wonderful mother and father
As ever,
Charlotte and Norton Feldstein
Sharon Udovich
January 30, 2015
I had the great pleasure of getting to know Vera as she volunteered at UCSF. She touched so many lives, both big and small. She was so dedicated, always had a smile and a kind word to share.
January 30, 2015
vera was a beautiful,loving lady, a wonderful family friend, and will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her. We join in your sorrow.
Carolyn and family
Rev. Daniel Dahl
January 29, 2015
Mrs. O'Donnell was always welcoming to me when I visited her home as a child, and likewise she laughed at all my jokes. Most of all, I remember Vera and her Husband actively supported and lived at the heart of Catholic parish life. They will remain as models of devotion to Family and the Church - and they treated all neighbors, near and far, as an extension of family. May Perpetual Light shine upon Vera forever.
Colleen Murphy-Doumeng
January 29, 2015
I was fortunate to see Vera at Holy Name many times over the years while home visiting my parents. It was always a pleasure to run into her, she was one of the nicest ladies I knew growing up on 41st Ave. My condolences to all the O'Donnells, keeping you in my prayers.
Anne Dee Maloney-Watson
January 29, 2015
Vera was such a role model for all of us kids on 41st Avenue. Always a lady, always volunteering for so many worthwhile activities, always had a smile on her face. Vera, and Charlie too, left us with so many happy memories.
Jeff & Diane Gerst
January 29, 2015
Vera was a lovely woman. She also never seemed to mind us neighbor kids playing in her back yard. We hold you, Sister Joan, Bud, Marilyn, Diane and other family members in our prayers.
Jo Ellen Maloney Mitchell
January 29, 2015
I have fond memories of the O'Donnell's. Charlie and Vera were so welcoming and nice to all of us who were blessed to live on 41st Avenue. Thoughts and prayers to Vera's family and friends.
Molly McGinty Laughlin
January 29, 2015
Diane: Remember your mom and dad both with a lot of fondness and recall many nice times and dinners over at your house. I especially remember your folks including me on a weekend trip to the Monterey Peninsula, where I now actually live! My condolences to you and all the family.
Amy Feldstein-DiStefano
January 29, 2015
Oh how we loved Vera. So many wonderful memories of her from 41st Avenue. I will always cherish those memories of growing up on 41st more than ever. However boring we might have thought it was at certain times, it was a great neighborhood with wonderful neighbors in a great city. We are so lucky we had it as the backdrop of our lives. I know that Charles is waiting with open arms for his love Vera. They were such wonderful role models to all of us growing up
Love to all the O‘Donnells
Amy Feldstein DiStefano
Rabbi Louis Feldstein
January 29, 2015
Vera was like a second mother to me throughout my childhood. I will always remember the profound impact she had on my life. May her memory be forever a blessing.
Jim Gerst
January 28, 2015
A true loss. My sympathy to the family.
Vera was our next door neighbor and wonderful friend. With Charles, Vera now
joins my mother Lena and Nellie Norton -
what a group. God bless you Vera. RIP
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