Nancy J. MCDONNELL

1935 - 2025

MCDONNELL, Nancy J. (Pleva) MD Age 89, of Newton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, on March 20.

A trailblazer in her profession, Dr. McDonnell entered medical school in 1957 at a time when few women pursued careers in medicine. She went on to become a respected psychiatrist. Her dedication to mental health care led her to McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, a Harvard-affiliated teaching hospital. In the face of a proposal to sell McLean to a for-profit hospital corporation, she was an outspoken leader of the faculty opposition to the proposed sale, demonstrating her commitment to preserving ethical and patient-centered care. She went on to serve as the longtime medical director at North Suffolk Mental Health (n/k/a North Suffolk Community Services). Her work there was particularly impactful in the treatment of Southeast Asian refugees, reflecting her deep commitment to providing compassionate care to underserved communities.

Dr. McDonnell was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph M. McDonnell of Newton, Massachusetts. She was the mother of Kristin K. McDonnell of Roslindale, Massachusetts, and Deirdre A. McDonnell of Portland, Oregon. She was also a loving grandmother to Joseph F. McDonnell-Myers and Zoe T. McDonnell-Myers.

Her dedication to mental health advocacy and her contributions to the field will be remembered by colleagues, patients, and all those whose lives she touched. Those wishing to make donations in her memory, may donate to North Suffolk Community Services at https://web.charityengine.net/Default.aspx?tsid=28869.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home, 465 Centre Street, NEWTON, MA 02458. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, March 28, at St. Ignatius Church, 28 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.