Lorraine O'Donnell

Lorraine O'Donnell
10/01/2025
Lorraine (Duhamel) O'Donnell, 92, died on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Avon, CT. A long-time resident of Simsbury, CT, Lorraine enjoyed 65 years of marriage to Richard "Digger" O'Donnell. Richard predeceased Lorraine by two-and-a-half years. Ann Lorraine was born in Waterbury, CT, and settled into Woodbury, CT, as a young family, before moving to Simsbury, CT. Soon, there were four O'Donnell boys in Simsbury. Lorraine, a full-time RN, began her nursing career at Waterbury Hospital and moved to Mount Sinai Hospital, carefully managed the boys' involvement in many activities, in and out of school. Lorraine was a generous person who was able to "take care" of many kids and adults (and cats and dogs). After her ER work in the large hospitals, Lorraine decided to retire and worked with the Visiting Nurses in the region for many years. Lorraine and Dick enjoyed taking their family camping in the summers. Lorraine applied her organization and nursing skills in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and the much loved Cape Cod sites. Once they were "empty nesters", they continued to travel, enjoying trips to Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and the Canadian Rockies. Then there were 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren to spread kindness and generosity among the family.
Lorraine was predeceased by her husband, Richard O'Donnell, her son, Stephen O'Donnell, her sisters, Jeannette Ford, Georgianna Barry, and her brother, Raymond Duhamel.
She was the daughter of Henry and Priscilla (Martin) Duhamel. She leaves her three sons and daughters-in-law, John and Deborah (Keller) O'Donnell of Glastonbury, Brian and Ann (Murphy) O'Donnell of Simsbury, and Timothy and Heidi (Iken) O'Donnell of Canton; her grandchildren, James O'Donnell and wife, Kristen, of Bristol, CT, Gregory O'Donnell and wife, Marie, of Portland, ME, Abigail O'Donnell of San Francisco, Emily O'Donnell of New Newmarket, NH, Aidan O'Donnell of Somerville, MA, and Liam O'Donnell of the University of Rochester (senior year); and her great-grandchildren, Andrew and Saoirse and Mauve and Dillon. Lorraine's brother, Henry, was very kind to his older sister. Henri has been sure to regularly visit his sister, along with Lorraine's many treasured nieces and nephews, who were particularly kind to her in her last years.
Calling hours will be Monday, October 6th, at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, in Simsbury, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, closing with a service at the funeral home at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Please visit Lorraine's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.