Lynn M. Donnelly

Donnelly, Lynn M.
VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. - Lynn Maria "Murray" Donnelly, 73, passed away on December 1, 2025, at her daughter's home, in Edgartown, Mass. She was born on November 2, 1952, to Dorothy "Malone" Murray and Joseph Murray, both deceased.
Lynn was the beloved sister of Paul Murray, Craig Murray, Joseph Murray, Michael Murray, Richard Murray, and the late Dave Murray and Lawrence Murray. She leaves behind her children, stepson, Dayton Donnelly; daughter, Jessica Donnelly; and son, Jayme Donnelly; along with six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her cherished cat, Jasmine. Lynn will be greatly missed by her sisters-in-law and many extended family members.
Family was at the heart of Lynn's life. Her closeness with her mother was one of Lynn's most meaningful relationships. As the only girl among seven brothers, she grew up proudly running alongside them - often in a beautiful dress, paired with cowboy boots and a toy holster. She admired everything they loved, from sports to their deep Irish heritage, and treasured every gathering, especially at the Hibernian.
Taught to sew by her grandmother, Lynn became a talented seamstress, working in a bridal shop and continuing to sew for others throughout her life. Sharing this craft with her daughter and granddaughter was one of her greatest joys.
In 1974, she married Dayton Donnelly, with whom she shared 24 years of marriage and a lifelong friendship, until his passing in 2020. Their home was always full of warmth, food, and friends, and their cooking led to a small catering business. Lynn later worked as a teacher's aide for children with special learning needs, where her perfect blend of humor and no-nonsense guidance made her a natural.
After retiring, she moved to Martha's Vineyard to be near her children and began working at Leroux Home Goods - a job she adored. She built many friendships there and loved everything about the store.
Lynn rarely missed a moment of her grandchildren's lives, attending every recital, game, and performance, and spending summers with them at the beach - always with coolers full of food to share. She passed down her love for sewing, cooking, and rummy, and she was known for her unforgettable Halloween costumes at Leroux. Full of quirky trivia and infectious humor, she brought fun and flair wherever she went.
Although Lynn fought a 10-year battle with illness, she never let it define her. Her final year was her most difficult, but her love for family, community, and life itself never faded. She will be remembered for her strength, humor, creativity, and the deep, unwavering love she gave to those around her.
On Saturday April 11, 2026, a private ceremony for the family will be held at St. John's Cemetery, at noon. Following this, the family invites you to come and join them to celebrate Lynn's memory.
This Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., at the Polish American Citizens Club, located at 110 Commerce Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12206.