Christy O'Donnell

1968 - 2016

Christy O'Donnell

1968 - 2016

BORN

1968

DIED

2016

Christy O'Donnell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 10, 2016.
Christy O'Donnell, a single mother with lung cancer who campaigned to get a right-to-die law passed in California last year, has died. She was 47.

Her brother Jay Watts posted in Facebook Monday that O'Donnell died Saturday. He told People magazine that her death was peaceful and that she died at her Santa Clarita home, north of Los Angeles, with her daughter, Bailey Donorovich, 21, holding her hand. Watts did not discuss details of her death in the posting, but he said health care workers who provided her hospice care "were absolutely wonderful in doing what they could to help make Christy's final days as comfortable as possible given the circumstances."

The former Los Angeles police officer who then became a civil rights attorney testified before state lawmakers and filed a lawsuit in a state court last year so California residents who are terminally ill could legally obtain life-ending drugs from a doctor when they felt the time was right.

California has signed the End of Life Option Act into law, but it is still not in effect as of this date. The law is expected to take effect later this year.

People magazine was told that her immediate family will hold a private service to celebrate her life, per O'Donnell's request, at a later date.

Sign Christy O'Donnell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 23, 2016

Linda posted to the memorial.

February 23, 2016

lillie crenshaw posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2016

Mia A posted to the memorial.

62 Entries

Linda

October 23, 2016

So sad. Wonderful person.

lillie crenshaw

February 23, 2016

RIP my friend.Love u and will miss you.

Mia A

February 18, 2016

I send my condolences to the family. May the peace of God be with you.

February 18, 2016

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

February 15, 2016

I am so very sorry for your loss and send my sincere condolences to your family at this very sorrowful time. May drawing close to God in prayer bring you comfort and peace knowing that he cares for you. 1 Pet 5:7 -

Garcia

February 15, 2016

Thank you for championing elective right to die.It takes a compassionate, empathetic person to know each individual carries their pain and illness, so far and prepares for eternal release. Godspeed and rest in peace. Prayers for your family.

February 15, 2016

An amazing, powerful woman. Provided me with guidance six years ago that changed my life. Her passing is a huge loss to the world.

Loretta

February 14, 2016

Condolences to the family of Christy O'Donnell -

It is truly painful when our loved one is no longer here but it is comforting to know that our Creator understands our grief. More than that, he longs to use his almighty power to restore life and he promises to do so. Please find comfort from the hope conveyed in the many scriptural references on this site.

Steve Mione

February 14, 2016

My deepest condolences to
Christy O'Donnell's daughter
and loved ones. Thank you
Christy for fighting even in
the midst of your suffering to
help the End Of Life Option
Act to become law in CA .
I am Stage 4 with Melanoma
and advocated also . May the
CA legislature and Governor
Brown be so saddened by your
suffering and death that they
quickly end the special session
and honor your wish that others
who are going to die soon can
choose the Act that you so wanted to use yourself . God bless you wherever you are and your loved ones . May peace be with you and especially your daughter and
brother . Amen .

February 13, 2016

My condolence to the family. May you find comfort from God's words Ps 34 : 18

MV

February 13, 2016

To the family please accept my condolences for the death of your loved one Christy. It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one. Therefore as the days and weeks pass and as you return to life"s routine, may you continue to feel comforted loved and supported by family and friends . Wishing you hope in the the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. May God's loving kindness be near to all, as he hears your cry for help.(Psalms 145:18,19)

Jay

February 13, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you and may our Lord Jesus christ and God our father who loves us comfort your hearts and " make you firm " ( 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)

Bobbi Barnett

February 13, 2016

Don't know her but thank you bring this bill toward. My mom had cancer and watch her suffer so bad and she took pills to begin her new life in heaven... Thanks u made it happen u were a voice we needed..

B E

February 12, 2016

Life is so short and those we love are gone from our lives so quickly. May the fond memories you share together sustain you in the days ahead.Please keep in mind God's loving promise found at John 6:40. I hope that this brings you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Remembering Christy

February 12, 2016

May you remember Christy as you enjoyed her during her most healthy days, respect her for the bravery she showed during her sick ones, and treasure the promise that you will see her again in Paradise--endowed with a perfect body and a sound mind throughout all eternity. What a joyous reunion that is going to be!

February 12, 2016

My sincere condolences to all the family and friends. May you find comfort in knowing that she is definitely resting in peace. Ecclesiastes 9:5

Jane Dowling

February 12, 2016

God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.

February 12, 2016

Christy you were a brave fighter. Now you sleep free from pain. We look forward to the day when we will see you again and live in a world free from pain and death.

TINA T

February 12, 2016

PLEASE EXCEPT MY SINCEREST SYMPATHY.PLEASE BE COMFORTED BY ISAIAH 61:1-2 WHICH STATES IN PART:"GOD HAS SENT HIS SON TO BIND UP THE BROKENHEARTED AND COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN".

February 12, 2016

Sorry for your loss. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together with Christy. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you.

Sheila

February 12, 2016

In Gods care.

Joanie Billings

February 11, 2016

Christy was such a brave and inspirational woman. Many prayers for her family. She will not be forgotten.

February 11, 2016

now thats a smart woman fighting for something that makes sence thank you for fighting for us all may u be at rest with the angels.....they have the honor of you now....
g.w.

Diane Treptow

February 11, 2016

Rest in Peace Brave Lady. Thank you for your courage.

Liz KLEE-TISSUE

February 11, 2016

God bless your good work,may you rest in peace. You are admired

Tami Syrek

February 11, 2016

What a beautiful lady. I commend you on all your service; someday soon all people will benefit from your actions. May the lord bless your family and may you be at peace with our Lord.

leslie swanson

February 11, 2016

i knew her in high school

Cheryl

February 11, 2016

May Christy rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

February 11, 2016

My Condolences to the O'Donnell
family for the loss of their beloved Christy. May she rest in peace in the House of The Lord, her eternal home, happy and healthy.

February 11, 2016

My sincerest sympathy. May the loving memories of Christy remain forever in your hearts and minds and may those thoughts sustain you during this difficult time.

Liz

February 11, 2016

My sincere condolences to Christy's loved ones. I pray that her right to die efforts are taken seriously and that it's one day not a battle to have that right. ♥

February 11, 2016

Kristy, thank you for all you have done for the rest of us - You rest now - God bless you and your loved ones....

K

February 11, 2016

Sincere condolence to all... It is never easy losing someone. May the God of comfort be with you during this difficult time..

G. Freeman

February 11, 2016

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Hudgins Family

February 11, 2016

Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Christy O'Donnell. It is very difficult to lose a loved in death, so continue to draw close to family and friends and hold tight in your hearts all the wonderful memories that you have treasured up. May Almighty God continue to give you strength, courage and peace in the difficult days ahead. Isaiah 43: 10, 13

February 11, 2016

O'Donnell proved to be a strong woman with a focused mind, never gave up on her decisions. My heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I can only imagine how hard this is for the family and daughter. May our Heavenly Father strengthen them to endure this period of sadness and grief - for He is a Strong Tower and the Source of all comfort.

Lynn

February 11, 2016

I am truly sorry for your loss. Soon here on earth sickness and death will be no more. It was Gods purpose for humans to live forever and he has made it possible by giving his son to us. John 3:16

February 11, 2016

I hope your work will not be in vain.
Sympathies to your family.
H.D.

February 11, 2016

May family and friends keep the fond memories and good times close in their hearts and minds at this time of deep sorrow.. This will help you stay strong and perhaps bring a smile to your face every now and then. God love and care for you.

February 11, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jerry Close

February 11, 2016

Let's hope this issue will continue to be addressed at the National level as we should all have choices as how we spend the end of our lives if faced with a terminal illness.

A. Ingram

February 11, 2016

I am sorry for your loss. May the hope of seeing Christy again in paradise ease the sorrow of your hearts. She will be missed by all.

juanita guess

February 11, 2016

May your family and friends draw comfort from GOD WORD .Luke 8:49-56.

Sandra Savich

February 11, 2016

Your energy & effort will not be forgotten.
Bless You.

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

February 11, 2016

In God's care, rest in peace.

CORINNE MEADE

February 11, 2016

So sad! Bless her for fighting for the rights of others. As a retired nurse I saw many people suffer & my husband from lung cancer! I do also believe it's apersons right to be able to die the way they want with a terminal illness! May Christy Rest in Peace!

February 11, 2016

My prayers are with you and your family.

February 11, 2016

Sorry for your loss. May God bless your family and grant you peace and comfort during this most difficult time in your lives.

February 11, 2016

May your household find peace and comfort during this difficult time, but know sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised. With my deepest condolences for your loss.

Bob Davis

February 11, 2016

California should be blessed, for having such a woman as Christy O'Donnell.

R.I.P.

February 10, 2016

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Susan Smith

February 10, 2016

A truly brave woman. Your family and you are in my prayers. Thank you. RIP

F Montag

February 10, 2016

Everyone should have the right to die with dignity, as Christy chose to do. She worked to pull us out of the 5th Century mindset. Thank you, and rest well. You have returned to the sparkling spring.

L. B., Pittsburgh

February 10, 2016

Harry Simpson

February 10, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Scott Chamberland

February 10, 2016

Please accept my Deepest Sympathies

Adrian Barnette

February 10, 2016

We'll miss you !

Randy and Denise Hill

February 10, 2016

May you rest in peace. And know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Stefani Esta

February 10, 2016

My heartfelt condolences to a brave woman indeed! May your family be proud

Mj

February 10, 2016

Christy was so young, during this difficult time, you can gain strength by drawing close to God in prayer. Give him your burdens and he will sustain you --Psalms 55:22.

Showing 1 - 62 of 62 results

Make a Donation
in Christy O'Donnell's name

How to support Christy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Christy O'Donnell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Christy O'Donnell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 23, 2016

Linda posted to the memorial.

February 23, 2016

lillie crenshaw posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2016

Mia A posted to the memorial.