Donna Rose Mcdonnell

Native Walla Walla resident Donna Rose McDonnell died peacefully on July 20, 2022, at the age of 90.

Donna was born November 29, 1931, in Walla Walla to Nick and Nettie Gallo. She attended St. Patrick's Catholic School, where she played the organ for the daily Masses. She graduated from Kinman Business School in Spokane and, on September 27, 1952, married the love of her life, Michael J McDonnell. After a brief stay in Georgia, the newlyweds settled in Walla Walla to raise their family and build lifelong friendships.

Donna was active in Junior League, played tennis, and was an avid bridge player. She was a supporter of the arts and enjoyed attending Walla Walla Symphony concerts. She and Mike traveled to Europe several times after he retired and enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren. Her strong Catholic faith guided her and gave her comfort. Among all of her activities, her greatest joy was entertaining family and friends; one of her many superpowers was timing all the food perfectly.

Donna is survived by her children, Michael (Beverly), Brian (Barbara), and Suzanne (Grant) Gibson, and six grandchildren: Morgan, Hannah (Jacob), Emily (Garrett), Nicholas, Michael, and Mercedes.

The family would like to thank the staff of Odd Fellows for their attention and thoughtful care of Donna.

The Rosary will be Friday, April 21, 2023, at 5:00 pm, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 9:00 am, at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, with interment at Mountain View Cemetery to follow immediately.