Janis E. McDonnell

Jan McDonnell peacefully passed away September 9, 2022 after a brave battle with Multiple Myeloma cancer.
She was born in Little Falls, NY to Alton and Jane Millen and grew up with her sister, Sherry, whom she cherished. Inspired by her parents, she enrolled in Russell Sage College to become a teacher. There, she met the love of her life, Michael, and after graduation, they married in 1978 to build their life together.
Jan impacted hundreds of lives across multiple states: New York, New Jersey, California, Delaware, Texas, and Pennsylvania. While raising her four children and teaching countless others, she earned a Master's Degree from the University of Delaware and taught Special Education, first grade, and second grade throughout her career. As a life-long learner, towards the end of her career, she earned a post-graduate certificate from Wilmington University to become a Reading Specialist, one of her true passions. She treasured her time in each classroom with every student, mentee, and teacher. Even when she retired, she continued to serve as an educator by volunteering in classrooms and working with students. Jan loved teaching.
During their 44 years of marriage, Michael and Jan shared many adventures together, the greatest of which is their beautiful family. As an avid reader, Jan kept her children, grandchildren, and friends equipped with an endless supply of books. All her grandchildren had to do was mention a book or an author and Grandma had an order placed in minutes to fill their interest. Some of her favorite times were the family trips taken to national parks, beaches, resorts, and amusement parks. In recent years, the annual family reunions brought immeasurable happiness to her. She loved watching and cheering her grandchildren, whether they were playing soccer, baseball, field hockey, basketball, gymnastics, swimming or they were raising money for a philanthropic cause. Her faithful companion, Murphy (family dog), will continue to watch in her stead.
Jan is predeceased by her father, Alton. She is survived by her soulmate, Michael; and beloved children, Patrick (Margery) McDonnell, Bridget (Jake) Kavitski, Erin (Matthew Jones), and Tim. She is also survived by her mother, Jane Millen; and her sister, Sherry Millen. Her seven grandchildren brought the brightest light and greatest joy to her: Benjamin, Samuel, & Grace Kavitski; Emma, Liam, & Alton McDonnell; and Jameson McDonnell-Jones. Make no mistake, her life was centered around her grandchildren.
All are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 on Saturday, September 17th @ 10:30 AM. A private, family interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a cause close to Jan's heart, the Kennett Food Cupboard: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/E9V-ZQbQ-fjxStneISPLAA
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