Photo courtesy of MacAlpine Funeral Home, Inc. - Mac Chapel - Bad Axe
May 24, 1932 - Jan 11, 2026
We were very saddened to learn of Terry’s passing. We will always treasure our fond memories of winters in Mexico with Terry and Noreen. Our deepest sympathies to the McDonnell family.
André and Michelle Guindon
February 01, 2026 | Rockland, ON | Friend
Terry was a very kind, thoughtful man. I worked with Noreen and Terry at McVey Insurance for a number of years. What a pleasure. He surely has gone to a better place and is with his dear Noreen again. I'm sure Amy and Jud welcomed him with open arms. May he rest in peace. TJ and family you have my deepest sympathies. Cathy Stacer
catherine stacer
January 29, 2026 | Ubly, MI | Coworker
Terry was such a smart, kind man. He really helped me so much, when I started my career. I'll never forget him. Rest easy, Terry!
Sean McVey
January 22, 2026 | Bad Axe, MI | Family
Terrence (Terry) McDonnell, 93, died peacefully at home in Bad Axe on January 14th, 2026.
He was born on May 24, 1932, in Bad Axe, MI, to Beulah and John McDonnell. He attended Sacred Heart School, Bad Axe High School (Class of 1950), Michigan State University (BA) and University of Michigan (MBA). After college, he moved to Washington, D.C. and worked for the Federal Bureau of the Budget as an economist until the late 1960’s, returning to Bad Axe to raise his family. He worked for many years at the McVey Insurance Agency. Terrence served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1956, attaining the rank of Captain.
On July 5, 1956, he married Noreen McVey at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. They remained happily together during stays in Nashville, Washington D.C., Virginia and lastly, in Bad Axe. He was married to Noreen for 61 years until her death on November 22, 2017.
Terrence is survived by his son Terence (T.J.) McDonnell and T.J.’s wife, Yun, and daughter Elsie (4) of Holt Michigan, his sister-in-law, Carolyn McVey of Bad Axe, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Noreen; his daughter, Amy N. McDonnell; his son, Judson G. McDonnell; his brother, John L. McDonnell and sister Mary Riordan of Indianapolis; and his brothers-in-law, Robert McVey Jr. and Richard Riordan, and sister-in-law, Patricia McDonnell.
The family will hold private services later. At Terrence’s wishes, cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory in Bay City, Michigan. Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
Friends considering an expression of sympathy may donate to the Bad Axe Area District Library (200 S Hanselman St, Bad Axe, MI 48413).
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneral
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