Barbara "Bobbie" O'Donnell, age 85, a resident of Wheaton and formerly a longtime resident of Gurnee, IL, died on Friday, May 22, 2020, at Anthology Living at Wheaton in Wheaton, Illinois. She was born February 8, 1935 in Chicago, IL to Robert Henry and Dolores Elizabeth Roueche.
Bobbie grew up in Northbrook, IL. After high school, she attended University of Colorado where she received her certification as a Physical Therapist. While home in Northbrook after college, she became reacquainted with a high school friend, Fred O'Donnell (home on leave from the Navy). They were married 11 months later in November 1957, and their story began! She was a full-time wife and mom during Fred's Navy career. The final Navy transfer brought them back to IL and their families in 1972. With the kids now in school, Bobbie first worked as a physical therapist with Easter Seals, and then with Waukegan Public Schools until her retirement.
Bobbie loved anything that involved music. She played violin as a child, percussion in the high school band, and danced in square dance competitions in college. She participated in the Gurnee Community Church adult choir and hand bell choir, and directed the GCC children's choir and summer Kid's Praise musicals. In addition, she was very involved in Choral Dynamics and Viking Park Singers, which were two local community choirs. And any family gathering that involved her sister, Ellen, turned into a sing-along!
She was engaged in many aspects of Gurnee Community Church. Beyond the music program, she coordinated the yearly rummage sale; volunteered with the food pantry, on planning boards, and in the church office; and cooked meals for families in need. She traveled with other members of GCC to Mazahua, Mexico on mission trips and helped run Thanksgiving dinners at the church for hundreds of service men and women from the Great Lakes Naval Base who were unable to go home to their families.
Bobbie also loved the out-of-doors. She rode horses and was the "junior ranch hand" on her aunt and uncle's ranch. She loved "walking her yard" to enjoy its beauty, and she truly could make anything grow! Her gorgeous yard also had a small pond - a gift to her for Mother's Day years ago. This love of gardening was shared generously with her children/spouses and grandchildren. In fact, her Girl Scout camp name was "Mother Nature"!
Bobbie was quite involved with Scouts as a Cub Scout den mother and as a Junior and Senior Girl Scout troop leader. She was the Girl Scout cookie chairman LONG after her own girls were grown. For many years she donated her time for the Easter Seals walkathon, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, as an election poling location volunteer, and much more. This volunteer work continued into her eighties when she helped serve meals to families in crisis at the local Ronald McDonald House. She also became everyone's personal baker, creating amazing wedding and birthday cakes for her kids, nieces and nephews, grand kids, and friends. Some affectionately described Bobbie as a "force of nature" because when she saw a need, she would make sure it was met. She was full of energy and seemingly unstoppable. And, most assuredly, she will continue to be unforgettable.
Bobbie was Mom, Aunt, Sister, Grandma, Friend to anyone she met. Her heart, kindness, generosity, and love knew no limits.
She is survived by her children,Chris (Vince) Greco of Carol Stream, IL, Neil (Ann) O'Donnell of Traverse City, MI, Maggie (Matt) Froncek of Mesa, AZ, Mark O'Donnell of Welcome, NC, and daughter-in-law Tammy O'Donnell of Pleasant Prairie, WI; seven grandchildren, Brad, Dan, Matt, Tabitha, Jessica, Katie, and Erin; and four great-grandchildren, Arielle, Aonika, Savannah, and KJ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, their son, Kelly, her sister, Ellen Jensen, and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Greco.
A memorial service for Fred and Bobbie will be held on July 25th, 2020, at 4:30pm at Gurnee Community Church. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the attendance at the church service will be limited to family. Others may view the service on live stream (4:30 on July 25th) through Facebook.
Those wishing to honor Bobbie's memory might consider singing a song, rejoicing in the flowers that they see blooming, or making a donation to their local food bank.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Bobbie grew up in Northbrook, IL. After high school, she attended University of Colorado where she received her certification as a Physical Therapist. While home in Northbrook after college, she became reacquainted with a high school friend, Fred O'Donnell (home on leave from the Navy). They were married 11 months later in November 1957, and their story began! She was a full-time wife and mom during Fred's Navy career. The final Navy transfer brought them back to IL and their families in 1972. With the kids now in school, Bobbie first worked as a physical therapist with Easter Seals, and then with Waukegan Public Schools until her retirement.
Bobbie loved anything that involved music. She played violin as a child, percussion in the high school band, and danced in square dance competitions in college. She participated in the Gurnee Community Church adult choir and hand bell choir, and directed the GCC children's choir and summer Kid's Praise musicals. In addition, she was very involved in Choral Dynamics and Viking Park Singers, which were two local community choirs. And any family gathering that involved her sister, Ellen, turned into a sing-along!
She was engaged in many aspects of Gurnee Community Church. Beyond the music program, she coordinated the yearly rummage sale; volunteered with the food pantry, on planning boards, and in the church office; and cooked meals for families in need. She traveled with other members of GCC to Mazahua, Mexico on mission trips and helped run Thanksgiving dinners at the church for hundreds of service men and women from the Great Lakes Naval Base who were unable to go home to their families.
Bobbie also loved the out-of-doors. She rode horses and was the "junior ranch hand" on her aunt and uncle's ranch. She loved "walking her yard" to enjoy its beauty, and she truly could make anything grow! Her gorgeous yard also had a small pond - a gift to her for Mother's Day years ago. This love of gardening was shared generously with her children/spouses and grandchildren. In fact, her Girl Scout camp name was "Mother Nature"!
Bobbie was quite involved with Scouts as a Cub Scout den mother and as a Junior and Senior Girl Scout troop leader. She was the Girl Scout cookie chairman LONG after her own girls were grown. For many years she donated her time for the Easter Seals walkathon, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, as an election poling location volunteer, and much more. This volunteer work continued into her eighties when she helped serve meals to families in crisis at the local Ronald McDonald House. She also became everyone's personal baker, creating amazing wedding and birthday cakes for her kids, nieces and nephews, grand kids, and friends. Some affectionately described Bobbie as a "force of nature" because when she saw a need, she would make sure it was met. She was full of energy and seemingly unstoppable. And, most assuredly, she will continue to be unforgettable.
Bobbie was Mom, Aunt, Sister, Grandma, Friend to anyone she met. Her heart, kindness, generosity, and love knew no limits.
She is survived by her children,Chris (Vince) Greco of Carol Stream, IL, Neil (Ann) O'Donnell of Traverse City, MI, Maggie (Matt) Froncek of Mesa, AZ, Mark O'Donnell of Welcome, NC, and daughter-in-law Tammy O'Donnell of Pleasant Prairie, WI; seven grandchildren, Brad, Dan, Matt, Tabitha, Jessica, Katie, and Erin; and four great-grandchildren, Arielle, Aonika, Savannah, and KJ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, their son, Kelly, her sister, Ellen Jensen, and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Greco.
A memorial service for Fred and Bobbie will be held on July 25th, 2020, at 4:30pm at Gurnee Community Church. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the attendance at the church service will be limited to family. Others may view the service on live stream (4:30 on July 25th) through Facebook.
Those wishing to honor Bobbie's memory might consider singing a song, rejoicing in the flowers that they see blooming, or making a donation to their local food bank.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Barbara "Bobbie" O'Donnell, age 85, a resident of Wheaton and formerly a longtime resident of Gurnee, IL, died on Friday, May 22, 2020, at Anthology Living at Wheaton in Wheaton, Illinois. She was born February 8, 1935 in Chicago, IL to Robert Henry and Dolores Elizabeth Roueche.
Bobbie grew up in Northbrook, IL. After high school, she attended University of Colorado where she received her certification as a Physical Therapist. While home in Northbrook after college, she became reacquainted with a high school friend, Fred O'Donnell (home on leave from the Navy). They were married 11 months later in November 1957, and their story began! She was a full-time wife and mom during Fred's Navy career. The final Navy transfer brought them back to IL and their families in 1972. With the kids now in school, Bobbie first worked as a physical therapist with Easter Seals, and then with Waukegan Public Schools until her retirement.
Bobbie loved anything that involved music. She played violin as a child, percussion in the high school band, and danced in square dance competitions in college. She participated in the Gurnee Community Church adult choir and hand bell choir, and directed the GCC children's choir and summer Kid's Praise musicals. In addition, she was very involved in Choral Dynamics and Viking Park Singers, which were two local community choirs. And any family gathering that involved her sister, Ellen, turned into a sing-along!
She was engaged in many aspects of Gurnee Community Church. Beyond the music program, she coordinated the yearly rummage sale; volunteered with the food pantry, on planning boards, and in the church office; and cooked meals for families in need. She traveled with other members of GCC to Mazahua, Mexico on mission trips and helped run Thanksgiving dinners at the church for hundreds of service men and women from the Great Lakes Naval Base who were unable to go home to their families.
Bobbie also loved the out-of-doors. She rode horses and was the "junior ranch hand" on her aunt and uncle's ranch. She loved "walking her yard" to enjoy its beauty, and she truly could make anything grow! Her gorgeous yard also had a small pond - a gift to her for Mother's Day years ago. This love of gardening was shared generously with her children/spouses and grandchildren. In fact, her Girl Scout camp name was "Mother Nature"!
Bobbie was quite involved with Scouts as a Cub Scout den mother and as a Junior and Senior Girl Scout troop leader. She was the Girl Scout cookie chairman LONG after her own girls were grown. For many years she donated her time for the Easter Seals walkathon, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, as an election poling location volunteer, and much more. This volunteer work continued into her eighties when she helped serve meals to families in crisis at the local Ronald McDonald House. She also became everyone's personal baker, creating amazing wedding and birthday cakes for her kids, nieces and nephews, grand kids, and friends. Some affectionately described Bobbie as a "force of nature" because when she saw a need, she would make sure it was met. She was full of energy and seemingly unstoppable. And, most assuredly, she will continue to be unforgettable.
Bobbie was Mom, Aunt, Sister, Grandma, Friend to anyone she met. Her heart, kindness, generosity, and love knew no limits.
She is survived by her children,Chris (Vince) Greco of Carol Stream, IL, Neil (Ann) O'Donnell of Traverse City, MI, Maggie (Matt) Froncek of Mesa, AZ, Mark O'Donnell of Welcome, NC, and daughter-in-law Tammy O'Donnell of Pleasant Prairie, WI; seven grandchildren, Brad, Dan, Matt, Tabitha, Jessica, Katie, and Erin; and four great-grandchildren, Arielle, Aonika, Savannah, and KJ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, their son, Kelly, her sister, Ellen Jensen, and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Greco.
A memorial service for Fred and Bobbie will be held on July 25th, 2020, at 4:30pm at Gurnee Community Church. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the attendance at the church service will be limited to family. Others may view the service on live stream (4:30 on July 25th) through Facebook.
Those wishing to honor Bobbie's memory might consider singing a song, rejoicing in the flowers that they see blooming, or making a donation to their local food bank.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Bobbie grew up in Northbrook, IL. After high school, she attended University of Colorado where she received her certification as a Physical Therapist. While home in Northbrook after college, she became reacquainted with a high school friend, Fred O'Donnell (home on leave from the Navy). They were married 11 months later in November 1957, and their story began! She was a full-time wife and mom during Fred's Navy career. The final Navy transfer brought them back to IL and their families in 1972. With the kids now in school, Bobbie first worked as a physical therapist with Easter Seals, and then with Waukegan Public Schools until her retirement.
Bobbie loved anything that involved music. She played violin as a child, percussion in the high school band, and danced in square dance competitions in college. She participated in the Gurnee Community Church adult choir and hand bell choir, and directed the GCC children's choir and summer Kid's Praise musicals. In addition, she was very involved in Choral Dynamics and Viking Park Singers, which were two local community choirs. And any family gathering that involved her sister, Ellen, turned into a sing-along!
She was engaged in many aspects of Gurnee Community Church. Beyond the music program, she coordinated the yearly rummage sale; volunteered with the food pantry, on planning boards, and in the church office; and cooked meals for families in need. She traveled with other members of GCC to Mazahua, Mexico on mission trips and helped run Thanksgiving dinners at the church for hundreds of service men and women from the Great Lakes Naval Base who were unable to go home to their families.
Bobbie also loved the out-of-doors. She rode horses and was the "junior ranch hand" on her aunt and uncle's ranch. She loved "walking her yard" to enjoy its beauty, and she truly could make anything grow! Her gorgeous yard also had a small pond - a gift to her for Mother's Day years ago. This love of gardening was shared generously with her children/spouses and grandchildren. In fact, her Girl Scout camp name was "Mother Nature"!
Bobbie was quite involved with Scouts as a Cub Scout den mother and as a Junior and Senior Girl Scout troop leader. She was the Girl Scout cookie chairman LONG after her own girls were grown. For many years she donated her time for the Easter Seals walkathon, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, as an election poling location volunteer, and much more. This volunteer work continued into her eighties when she helped serve meals to families in crisis at the local Ronald McDonald House. She also became everyone's personal baker, creating amazing wedding and birthday cakes for her kids, nieces and nephews, grand kids, and friends. Some affectionately described Bobbie as a "force of nature" because when she saw a need, she would make sure it was met. She was full of energy and seemingly unstoppable. And, most assuredly, she will continue to be unforgettable.
Bobbie was Mom, Aunt, Sister, Grandma, Friend to anyone she met. Her heart, kindness, generosity, and love knew no limits.
She is survived by her children,Chris (Vince) Greco of Carol Stream, IL, Neil (Ann) O'Donnell of Traverse City, MI, Maggie (Matt) Froncek of Mesa, AZ, Mark O'Donnell of Welcome, NC, and daughter-in-law Tammy O'Donnell of Pleasant Prairie, WI; seven grandchildren, Brad, Dan, Matt, Tabitha, Jessica, Katie, and Erin; and four great-grandchildren, Arielle, Aonika, Savannah, and KJ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, their son, Kelly, her sister, Ellen Jensen, and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Greco.
A memorial service for Fred and Bobbie will be held on July 25th, 2020, at 4:30pm at Gurnee Community Church. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the attendance at the church service will be limited to family. Others may view the service on live stream (4:30 on July 25th) through Facebook.
Those wishing to honor Bobbie's memory might consider singing a song, rejoicing in the flowers that they see blooming, or making a donation to their local food bank.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
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WIFE OF O'DONNELL, THOMAS FREDERICK
LT US NAVY
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