Myrna McDonnell

MYRNA MCDONNELL, passed away on March 29, 2009 at the St. Michael's Palliative Care Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 90. Myrna is predeceased by her loving husband John McDonnell and her brother Bill Carpenter. She is also survived by her eight children: John, Mary, Michelle, Steven, JoAnn, Janet, Maureen, and Jeanie, their spouses and sixteen grandchildren. Myrna was born in Nebraska in 1919. After her father died when she was four, she and her brother Bill were raised by their widowed mother on a farm in North Dakota during the great depression. Myrna graduated from nursing school at the top of her class and nursed for seven years in the U.S. army, until she married John McDonnell in 1947. Myrna and John immediately got to work producing a brood of eight children, living in Alaska and Montana before settling in Lethbridge in 1958. Myrna devoted herself to looking after her children and husband. She often fed half of the neighbourhood and was famous for her cooking, especially her cinnamon buns! She was calm, practical and hated to waste a thing. Myrna was generous and liked to donate to worthy causes. She was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed flowers, reading and simple thoughtful gifts. Myrna died peacefully with her family at her side. It was just like her to end her days simply, and with as little bother to those around her as she could manage. At her request there will be no funeral. There will be a memorial gathering at the McDonnell home on Friday, April 2, from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Donations may be made to: The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB.)

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