Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1922
DIED
2020
Phyllis Donnelly Obituary
October 14, 1922 - September 20, 2020
Vacaville, California - Born in Chicago, Phyllis enjoyed her youth, in spite of the Great Depression. She collected grocery baskets to earn pocket money, took free lessons at the Art Institute, and began her "career" in church choir, as a teen.
WWII broke out just after her 19th birthday, and she began work in Washington, DC, for the Federal Government. After the war, Phyllis met her beloved husband of 62 years, Elmer Donnelly, also a Government worker. With time off to rear their 3 children, she completed over 20 years of service.
Phyllis embraced living in Europe, (1970-1975), and (1980-1985), when Elmer was a DOD civilian. They called both Italy and northern Germany home.
In 1986, the happy couple moved to Tampa. While Elmer took up golf, Phyllis returned to her first love, art. By 2016, and soon after being widowed, Phyllis, her grandsons, Steven and Ryan, daughter, Nancy, and son-in-law, Mark, all moved to Vacaville; with Steven's assignment at Travis AFB. She continued her back porch oil painting, a total of over 50 works. She attended Community Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed local museums and excursions.
Phyllis is survived by children: David Donnelly, Timothy Donnelly (Tina), Nancy Donnelly (Mark Lewis); grandchildren: Dr. Steven Donnelly Lewis, Dr. Jessalyn Donnelly Hadfield, Ryan Donnelly Lewis, Shannon Donnelly, and Hugh Donnelly, and great grandson, Ethan Lewis. A small funeral was held 3 Oct., 2020, at Vaca Hills Chapel, Rev. Dr. Mark Wright presiding. A second service will be held 16 Oct 2020, at Lee Funeral Home Chapel, Clinton, Md. and Phyllis will be reunited with her husband at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Donnelly
stephen lombardi
October 27, 2020
I always enjoyed the company of Aunt Phyllis and my Godfather ,Uncle Elmer going way back to family events in the 1960's.In the late 1980's,they were kind enough to let me stay at their home in Oxen Hills while I was looking to relocate from New England to DC area. In recent years I enjoyed their company and hospitality in Florida. Both Phyllis and Elmer were great to my mother . I appreciate all those memories of Aunt Phyllis and Uncle Elmer. God Bless !
Steven Lewis
October 27, 2020
My grandmother Phyllis was a wonderful and kind person. We did get to spend many happy years with her, a blessing I’m grateful for. Nevertheless it is hard to say goodbye. We will miss her.
Mari Beth Lewis
October 27, 2020
I met Phyllis for the first time when she was living in Florida, and then got to know her better while living near her for two years in California. It was such a special experience to get to see her meet my son, her great grandson, Ethan. I was always impressed by her thoughtfulness (she never missed sending a kind, hand-written card for occasions), and her sense of humor. She will be missed by many.
Marian Linden
October 14, 2020
Phyllis was a wonderful Aunt and Mentor and she will be greatly missed.
Nancy Anne Donnelly
October 11, 2020
My mother, Phyllis, was proud of her Scots heritage, and her mother's red hair! Her maiden name was Phyllis Jeannette Acker. Her maternal grandmother, Margret Ward, was born in Scotland, and married James Lothian Pringle, also of Scots descent. A beautiful blond, with natural curly hair, she was honest, talented, diligent, energetic and thrifty. I miss her companionship and loving ways.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Phyllis Donnelly's name
Memorial Events
for Phyllis Donnelly
How to support Phyllis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Phyllis Donnelly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
