Jean Saunders Donnelly, 89, passed away at Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Illinois on October 16, 2018 after a sudden illness. She was born on April 11, 1929 in Richmond, Kentucky.  She was the daughter of James Hansford and Pearl Inez Saunders.  She was beloved and admired by all who knew her.

 

Mrs. Donnelly received her B.S. in Chemistry from Duke University in 1950 and her M.S. in Chemistry from Cornell University in 1953.  She received her M.L.S. from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in 1981.  She was a Phi Beta Kappa member.  Between 1953 and 1955, she worked as a chemical researcher in the Philadelphia area.  After receiving her M.L.S. degree, she worked as a part-time librarian at the La Grange Public Library and later at Marquis Who’s Who Co.

 

Mrs. Donnelly was very active in the community.  She was a long-time active member of the First United Methodist Church of Western Springs, where she was a member of the choir and an organist.  She was a member of the Tower Chorale.  She was a member of the Lyons Township High School District 204 board of education from 1972 to 1983, serving as Secretary from 1976 to 1979, Vice President from 1979 to 1980, and President from 1980 to 1983.  She served as an election judge for several years.  She was a long-time member of the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women.  She volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

 

Mrs. Donnelly was a supporter of the arts.  She was a member of the Art Institute and held season tickets to the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra.  She was also a member of Brookfield Zoo.  She belonged to a local square dancing club for several years.  She was an avid fan of mystery novels.

 

Surviving are three daughters and three sons-in-law, Mary Kathleen Donnelly and William Wagner, Susan Jean (Donnelly) Willenborg and Daniel Willenborg, and Sarah Elizabeth (Donnelly) Dulay and Nicolas Dulay;  one son and one daughter-in-law, James Paul Donnelly and Paige (Wechsler) Donnelly; and four grandchildren, Alida Donnelly, Samuel Wagner, Meghan Donnelly and Erin Wagner.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Henry Donnelly, and her parents.

 

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 West 55^th Street, Countryside, Illinois 60525, and a funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 27 at the First United Methodist Church of Western Springs, 4300 Howard Avenue, Western Springs, Illinois.  Meet directly at the church for the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, WTTW or the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

For Service Info: (708) 352-6500