Betsy, age 86, was the loyal and steadfast spouse of John (Odie) O’Donnell. Strong, caring, and loving Mother of Elizabeth (Betsy) Norman Gehlot (Vijay), Margaret Mary (Marg) O’Donnell Bristow (Chris), John O’Donnell (Gina), and the late Pattianne O’Donnell Mooney. Survived by 10 loving Grandchildren and 3 wonderful Great-Grandchildren. Betsy was #8 of 12 children, Sister of the late Owen, James, Francis, Andrew, Peter, Joseph, John, Bernard, Margaret, William, and Robert. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. All these family members are saddened to lose this loving, caring, funny Matriarch who made every effort to look for the good in everyone (family, strangers, even a foe) and try to make them smile, laugh, and worry less. Favorite saying, “It could be worse!”
Betsy felt blessed to be endowed with the gift of faith starting with a strong foundation at St. Charles Borromeo Elementary School and continuing at John W. Hallahan High School for Girls. She relied heavily on her faith and prayer to sustain her in trying times as well as good times. She worked for Aramark for 45 years at a job she enjoyed, with co-workers who became lifelong friends.
When asked how she would like to be remembered she replied, “As a person who did not talk about people behind their back - some didn’t like what I said to their face - but I never talked about anyone behind their back. I tried to be kind and helpful and always make the best of situations.”
Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation 9:00 to10:15 A.M. Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Road, Broomall, PA 19008 followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. Interment Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA 19064
Please do not send flowers. Contributions to The Special Olympics-Delaware County, PO Box 1202, Havertown PA 19083 are welcome.