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Charlotte May Donnelly
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Charlotte Donnelly Obituary
NORWOOD, Mass. - Charlotte May Donnelly, 92, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at Benchmark Senior Living in Norwood, Mass.
Born in Brookline, Mass., on May 2, 1933, Charlotte was the daughter of Jessica Alice Breeyear.
Charlotte was a graduate of Albany High School, and attended Skidmore College, before beginning her professional career. She worked for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, and later found her calling as a librarian at Hudson Valley Community College, where she shared her passion for knowledge and reading with countless students and colleagues.
Charlotte, along with her husband, Jim, made their home in East Greenbush, N.Y., for many years, raising their two children, and creating cherished memories with family and friends. After Jim's passing, Charlotte eventually moved to Benchmark Senior Living in Norwood, Mass., where she continued to show kindness, humor, and warmth to those around her.
She is survived by her son, James Donnelly III; and his husband, Jay, of Fla.; her daughter, Jacqueline "Jacquie" Donnelly Browchuk, and her husband, Brett, of Mass.; and her two adored grandchildren, Elisee Donnelly Browchuk and Ian Donnelly Browchuk; two German Shepherds, Sasha and Stella, and her beloved Corgi, Molly, whom she adored.
Charlotte was a devoted Catholic all of her life, and will be remembered for her resilience, gentle spirit, love of the beach, a clean house, and boundless love for her family. Her legacy of strength, compassion, and grace will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A funeral Mass to celebrate Charlotte's life will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at the Historic St. Mary's Church, Lodge St., Albany. All are welcome to attend. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Greenbush will immediately follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlotte's memory to the Trustees of Boston University/Center for Neurorehabilitation, attention: Kristina Capano, Boston University Sargent College, at 635 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, Mass. 02215. Online condolences may be offered to the family, at www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc.1700 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144
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