Photo courtesy of Chambers Funeral Homes - Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
PATRICIA J. DONNELLY, age 85, passed away on Sunday January 23, 2022. Known by Pat, Patty, and Patty Jo, she was born in Mason City, Iowa on December 24, 1936 to Joseph and Lorraine (Hall) Donnelly. When Patty was five they moved to Lakewood, Ohio. She was the oldest of five children: herself, Mike, Dan, Joe, and Mary Lou.
Patty attended St. Clement Grade School and St. Joseph Academy (1955). She worked as a nurse’s aide all four years of high school, the first of many employment opportunities. Over the years she also worked at Ohio Bell, E.F. Hauserman, Meldrum and Fewsmith Advertising, and eventually, the Cleveland Municipal Courts.
In 1973, she became a personal bailiff to Hon. Richard M. Brennan, where she served until 1987. After his retirement, she remained with the courts until her own retirement in 2008 at age 73. During her time there she received many awards and accolades from the Cuyahoga County Bar Association.
Patty loved to travel and went many places during her adult life. For ten years, she worked part time as a tour escort and shared her passion and knowledge with others. Highlights of her travels included a number of places in the U.S. and Canada, Germany, France, Scotland, England, Austria, South America, Italy, the QE II, and Ireland numerous times. Ireland was her favorite place.
Patty was very proud of her Irish heritage. She was active in the West and East Side Irish American Clubs, the Irish Heritage Club, and the Greater Cleveland Police Emerald Society. In 2006, She was named the Greater Cleveland Police Emerald Society’s “Irish Person of the Year.”
As busy as she was, Patty also found time to volunteer. A proud Catholic, she spent many years of service at St. Malachi Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister. Additionally, she was a Past President of St. Malachi Parish Council and a former Trustee of the St. Malachi Center Board.
She also volunteered for a number of Democratic campaigns. From fundraising to knocking on doors, she loved every event and function. Her volunteer efforts didn’t wane with age either.
In 2019, Patty sold her Lakewood condo of 42 years and moved to Westlake Village Independent Living. There she became involved as an ambassador, a resident council member, and in many other groups. She truly stayed active until the end.
Patty also enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a devoted sister, aunt, cousin, and Godmother. She especially enjoyed spending time with her great nephew and great niece, Liam and Molly.
Preceded in death by siblings Michael (Helen-deceased), Daniel (Sandy), and Joe and nephew Brian Call.
Survived by sister Mary Lou Call (Bill), nieces Kim Donnelly Beery (Curt), Heather Donnelly, Lori Donnelly Buty (Dustin), Katie Call Juray, and Meredith Donnelly Bullis (Jeremiah), great-nieces and nephews Spencer Beery (Tasha), Hannah Beery, Madison, Jackson, and Paige Buty, Lorraine and Lydia Bullis, Liam, Molly, and Sydney Juray (Charles French), and great-great nephew Charlie French.
She also leaves behind numerous cousins and friends, as well as her oldest and dearest friend, Mary Elllen Bangert Grealis (Mickey deceased)
Funeral Mass Saturday, January 29, St. Luke Church (1212 Bunts Rd., Lakewood) at 10 A.M. (Mass will be livestreamed on the Chambers Funeral Homes Facebook page). Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR., FRIDAY 3-7 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hospice of the Western Reserve https://www.hospicewr.org/Patients-and-Caregivers/Giving-Back/Make-a-Gift/Make-a-Donation
Safe home, Patty!
The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Chambers Funeral Homes Facebook page (link to our Facebook page below):
https://www.facebook.com/Chambers-Funeral-Homes-1560347080741913
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As a young lawyer I got to meet Pat in the Justice Center. We became friends. She never failed to assist me and make me look like a big shot to my clients. I loved her and her smile. I will miss her.
Donald Tittle
January 20, 2024 | Fairview Park, OH | Friend
In my 45 years in the Justice Center, I never met a more wonderful, pleasant, helpful person than Pat. She is deeply missed.
Don Tittle
January 19, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. From Sam Fogliano family (4) Daughter's Rosemary Canitia Frances Fogliano Annette Charatian Teresa Beba
Frances Fogliano
February 04, 2022 | Friend
We were so saddened of the news of the loss of Pat. My parents were very good friends of hers at Brookdale. I spent quite a lot of time also at Brookdale and enjoyed all of my chats with Pat. The place will not be the same without her light!
Nancy Dwyer on behalf of my parents, Marge & Ed Stevenson
February 02, 2022
Sorry to learn of the passing of Pat. From the early 70´s to 1996, as a member of the CPD, I was in the courtroom of Judge Richard Brennan and later on in the Municipal Court arraignment room many times where Pat was the bailiff. These court rooms were run very efficiently and orderly, she did her job very well. It was always a pleasure to see her on these occasions. After retiring my wife and myself ran into Pat quite often at the West Side IA Club or St. Clarence Church, always greeted with...
Bill Leonard
January 30, 2022
Mary Lou and all. So sorry to hear of Patty's passing. You have our deepest sympathies for the loss you are experiencing. Terry & Mary Hickernell
Terry Hickernell
January 29, 2022 | North Olmsted, OH | Friend
Patty inspired us to travel. Her enthusiasm for Ireland was contagious so we eventually went there and will return to see more of her beloved country. We are happy to be here in Cleveland from Denver for a celebration of her life. Love you, Patty!
Jane & Rocky Hill
January 29, 2022 | Family
Sorry to hear of Pat´s passing. We have known each other for 40+ years and shared many memories and laughs over our time together at Cleveland Municipal Court. She had a quick wit and was always ready with a funny story or joke. She was a loyal friend and devoted to her family. She was so proud of her Irish heritage and it was an important part of who she was. We will cherish these fond memories. Our deepest sympathy to her sister Mary Lou and the rest of the Donnelly family.
Mickey and Maureen Flanagan
January 28, 2022
Remembered By
Glenn King
January 28, 2022 | Cleveland, OH | Coworker
