Mary Claire Ford Donnelly, 85, of Pittston, formerly of West Pittston and Carlisle, PA, passed away on April 16, 2024. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and nurse, whose deep faith was at the center of her life.
Born on April 28, 1938, in Pittston, PA, she was the daughter of Marguerite (Ruane) and Frank P. Ford Sr. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Edward F. Donnelly Sr. in 2007, and siblings, Frank P. Ford Jr. of Virginia, Ann Ford Crawford of West Pittston, and John P. Ford of Palmer Township, PA.
Mary Claire was a graduate of Pittston Central Catholic High School class of 1955, and a Registered Nurse graduate of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Wilkes-Barre, class of 1958. She retired in 2000 after 15 years as an R.N. for Dr. Ernest Gelb. Prior to that, she had been employed as an R.N. with Surgical Specialists of Wyoming Valley, Visiting Nurse Association, Kingston, and Pittston Hospital.
Surviving are her children: Doctors Michael G. Donnelly Sr. and Christine D’Alessandro Donnelly; Attorneys Kathleen Donnelly Keating and Jaime M. Keating; Edward F. Donnelly Jr. and Marie Marriggi Donnelly. She is also survived by her grandchildren, who brought her so much joy: Attorney Michael G. Donnelly Jr., Matthew Donnelly, Emily Keating, Erin Keating, William Keating, Matthew Keating, Christopher Donnelly and Ciara O'Connell, Terrence Donnelly and Victoria Norelli, and Vienna Donnelly. She is also survived by sister-in-law Colleen McCole Ford, and several nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Our Lady of the Eucharist Roman Catholic Church, 535 North Main Street, Pittston. Family will receive friends and relatives, from 10:00AM until time of Mass. Burial will be in the West Pittston Cemetery at the convenience of family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, PA (www.hospicesacredheart.org/donate).