Donnelly, Mary Eileen

Mary Eileen Donnelly, 93

1917 - 2011

Mary Eileen Donnelly, 93, a resident of Laguna Niguel, Calif., for the past 2 ½ years, passed away peacefully in her sleep Jan. 10, 2011. Before her move to California in the fall of 2008, Mary Eileen was a resident of Iowa City for 74 years. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Iowa City, with the Rev. Rudy Juarez officiating. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 21, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Lensing Funeral Service in Iowa City. A parish rosary will begin at 2:45 p.m. and a parish vigil at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Eileen was born Aug. 12, 1917, at Mercy Iowa City. She was the daughter of James and Anna (Tucker) Gatens, of rural Cedar Valley, Iowa. Eileen attended Springdale Consolidated Schools and was the last surviving member of St. Patrick's 1935 high school graduating class of 25. Eileen went on to graduate from Irish's Business College in Iowa City in 1938. She was employed in the x-ray department at Mercy Hospital, then was a secretary at Nagle Lumber Co. and worked at Henry Louis Drugs. In later years, she enjoyed many clerical responsibilities at ACT.

On Aug. 19, 1940, Eileen married Harold Martin Donnelly at St. Patrick's Church in Iowa City. They were married 48 years. Eileen was very committed to and thoroughly enjoyed all that was involved with Harold's renowned Irish tavern and his four terms as a Johnson County supervisor.

Eileen is survived by her four children, Ken Donnelly of West Liberty, Jo Ann Punelli of Laguna Niguel, Diane Donnelly-Nelson (Wally) of Laguna Woods, Calif., and Maureen Parent (Bob) of Laguna Niguel; her five grandchildren, Lisa Punelli of Laguna Niguel, Leslie Punelli Weinheimer (Dan) of San Diego, Chris Nelson of San Rafael, Calif., Megan Parent of Laguna Niguel and Ryan Parent of Tucson, Ariz. She was also blessed with one great-grandchild, Bennett Frank Weinheimer of San Diego, (who is expecting a little brother in April); her sister, Marguerite Knoedel of Iowa City; three sisters-in-law, Rita Gatens of Calistoga, Calif., Veronica Gatens of Green Bay, Wis., and Gladys Donnelly of Traer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; three brothers, Leo, Ervin and Melvin; her sister, who died in infancy; her son-in-law, Frank Punelli Jr.; and her granddaughter, Annie Nelson.

Eileen was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and enjoyed her many hours involved with the Altar and Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters, and God's Helping Hand. Bridge Club was a well-enjoyed monthly get-together for many years, as well as a sewing group, a special monthly birthday bunch and a weekly coffee klatch.

Eileen was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball teams. Great memories were made during 17 summer vacations in Clear Lake with good friends and family.

Eileen's children are grateful for the loving care given to our mother by the staff of Legacy Pointe in Iowa City and Ivy Glenn Terrace in Laguna Niguel. We would also like to publicly thank the many friends and relatives who sent our mother so many cards and letters over the past years.

Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's or the Regina Foundation.

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