Obituary of Mary Lou Donnelly

Mary Lou (Schwender) Donnelly, age 89, of Shelton passed away peacefully on Monday, August 5, 2024 at her home. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert "Red" Donnelly. Born in Louisville, KY on November 7, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Loraine (Cooper) Schwender. Mary Lou was an avid gardener and quite meticulous in tending to the care and upkeep of her yard and abundant floral gardens. She looked forward to her yearly trips to Hampton Beach, NH for over 25 years, where she would celebrate her anniversary with her husband. She loved Christmas and everything associated with it. From decorating to baking, she was renowned for making over 20 varieties of cookies and treats for all to enjoy while passing on traditions that will carry on for generations to follow. Most recently, Mary Lou became the primary caretaker for her husband and devoted over ten years to his care and comfort, prior to his passing in 2019. Her greatest enjoyment however was found in the time she spent surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored. A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend of many. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her loving children, Maureen Donnelly, Robert E. Donnelly and his wife Sharon, Mark Donnelly, Carolyn Oppenheim and her husband Peter, her cherished grandchildren, Allison and her husband Michael, Robert, Ryan, Casey and Abby, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. directly in St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Ave., Shelton. Interment will follow in Lawn Cemetery, Shelton. Friends may greet the family on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.

Memorial contributions may be made to Swim Across the Sound, St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606 or at (www.swimacrossthesound.org) or to

the Alzheimer's Association, 200 Executive Blvd. Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or at (www.alz.org/ct)