Obituary of Monna Ellen O'Donnell

 

“What must it be like to step on shore, and find it – Heaven; to take hold of a hand, and find it – God’s.  Monna stepped onto Heaven’s shore on Thursday, November 26, 2020 with the same dignity and determination she clung to throughout her life.  She carried herself with grace and poise; a true Lady; proper and respectful.  “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure” …. she will always be our treasure.

 

Monna started her working experience at Wilson’s General Store (McNamee) in the very early years where she met Garnet; Munroe’s Grocery Store in Fredericton; she was a Member of the Canadian Armed Forces, C.W.A.C., Second World War; Postal Clerk in Boiestown; Stedman’s in Doaktown retiring after 21 years of service. She was a faithful and hardworking member of St. Augustine’s United Church in New Bandon; Treasurer, Ladies Guild, and other phases of Doaktown Pastoral Charge.  She was a lifelong member of the McNamee Women’s Institute.  Monna loved singing, writing poetry, and was known for her baking skills.

 

“Monna Ellen” to her husband Garnet (d.2010); they walked hand and hand in a close and loving relationship for 65 years.  She is survived by her only son, Fred and his wife, Mavis (MacKay); they walked hand in hand with Monna after Garnet’s passing.  She lovingly referred to her beautiful granddaughter, Trudy (Sheldon Lace) as “her princess”.  Grammie Garn will be missed by her three great grandchildren, Ava and Sophia Lace and Owen O’Donnell.

 

She was the youngest child of seven to Adrian and Maude Spencer of Taxis River. Up until her passing, she would ask, “well what’s the news from Taxis”! Being the baby, she had a special relationship to her mother and very often recounted all the wonderful memories of her mother’s teachings and devotion.

 

She is predeceased by her only grandson, Darren Frederic (Janice); two brothers, Carl (Gertie) and Murray (Greta) Spencer; her sisters, Floris (George) Hoyt, Sadie (Walter) Logan, Evelyn (Bryon) Calhoun and Winnifred (Angus) MacLellan.  Monna is survived by many dear nieces and nephews; her sister in law, Olive (Fraser) O’Donnell and her devoted friend and chosen daughter, Yvonne Price. 

 

Our heartfelt thank you to the caregivers throughout the past few years; Eden’s Retirement Villa and Shannex (Neil) more recently.

 

A Private Farewell Service will take place at St. Thomas United Church, Doaktown, NB.  Donations in memory of Monna can be made to St. Thomas United Church, 367 Main Street, Doaktown, NB E9C 1C1 or the Canadian Institute of the Blind.  Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com