Geraldine M. (Kelleher) O'Donnell

Geraldine M. (Kelleher) O’Donnell, a lifelong Worcester resident, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on November 6, 2023, at the age of 93. Geraldine was the devoted wife of Albert B. O’Donnell, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage until his passing on September 25, 2019.

She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Thomas F. Kelleher and Anna (Granfield) Kelleher. Gerry was a graduate of South High School and received her undergraduate degree in English from Clark University. Gerry began her career as a teacher in the Leicester Public Schools before leaving to raise her family. After receiving a master’s degree in psychology from Assumption College, she returned to work in the Worcester Public Schools’ newly formed special education program, where she worked for 27 years as a learning disabilities teacher at the Thorndyke Road and Wawecus Road elementary schools until her retirement in 2000.

Gerry enjoyed spending summers on the Cape in Popponesset, where, over many years, she and Al warmly welcomed friends and family. Most of all, she treasured spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sharing and nurturing her love of reading with each of them, celebrating their joys, mentoring them through their challenges and always there to provide a supportive ear and words of encouragement on their many different journeys through life.

Geraldine is survived by her four children, Andrew B. O'Donnell and his wife Nan, Anne G. O'Donnell, and Dermot M. O'Donnell, all of Worcester, and Maryclare O. Himmel and her husband John, of Quincy. She also leaves five grandchildren: Andrew B. O'Donnell, Jr. and his wife Hannah, of Worcester; Matthew M. O'Donnell and his wife Karly, of Sherborn; Patrick T. O'Donnell and his wife Colleen, of Malverne, NY; Peter J. O'Donnell and his wife Kelly, of Walpole; and Julia H. Thorp and her husband Andrew, of Kingston; and four great-grandchildren, Thatcher, Dawson, and Mona O’Donnell of Sherborn and Ada O’Donnell of Malverne, NY as well as a number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Paul T. Kelleher, and her granddaughter, Elizabeth M. O’Donnell.

At Geraldine’s request, funeral services with burial at St. John’s Cemetery are private. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. John's Food for the Poor Program, St. John’s Catholic Church, 44 Temple St, Worcester, MA, 01604.

The Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, is directing arrangements.

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