Gael Donnelly

Gael Donnelly passed away at the age of seventy-nine on February 5, 2025. Gael was a beloved sister and aunt to the large Donnelly clan. She is survived by her siblings, Terry (Sandy) Donnelly, Noreen Killebrew, Kathleen Jackson, Gordon (Janice) Donnelly, and many extended family members. She is predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Marie Donnelly, and siblings, Thomas, Dennis, Brian, Deirdre, Michael, and Moira. Gael was born on August 31, 1945, in Mt. Clemens, MI. She graduated from James Monroe High School in Bronx, NY and worked in different fields from providing day care to retire as a records clerk from Iron Mountain. After spending most of her life in California, Gael came back to Michigan to be closer to family. With siblings living in other states, there were great memories from family reunions over the years with camping on the beach in Nevada, hiking the trails in Oregon, reunions at sisters’ homes in Michigan, canoeing in Lake Tahoe, and getting sunburned in Myrtle Beach. In 2005, Gael, Tom, and Kathy went on the vacation of a lifetime to Ireland where they created memories that resonated deeply within their souls. Gael especially enjoyed the drives through the rolling green pastures, viewing the towering cliffsides, and visiting the stoic castles and historic ruins. With honor, the torch was handed to Gael by her brother, Tom, to continue researching the Donnelly family history. She traced back many generations to various areas in Ireland and Wales where the Donnelly ancestors came from. She faithfully reached out to current family, to assemble and maintain family history books to pass on to the next generation. Gael had different hobbies she enjoyed. She volunteered at Meals on Wheels after retirement. She bowled in leagues at Rose Bowl Lanes with various family members for several years. She would spend hours cultivating and maintaining the gardens in her yard with her loyal companions, Elgato, Kita, Lily, Moonstar, and Bebe. She was especially proud of her rose bushes, hostas, and irises. Every visitor got the tour from the front yard all the way to the back fence. She was a proud member of the Red Hats Society, a women’s organization that promotes friendship, fun, and personal growth, which encouraged Gael to live her life to the fullest and not take herself too seriously. Spending the holidays with family was especially important to Gael. She brought joy and happiness to every function, always interested to hear about each family member’s activities and accomplishments. From summer parties to holidays to birthday parties for the children, Gael would be the first one to offer help with anything that needed to be done. Connecting with family and friends was always her top priority. Gael never had a harsh word for anyone, always helped wherever she could, and was the heart of the Donnelly family. She will truly be missed.

Gael Donnelly

August 31, 1945 - February 5, 2025