Obituary for Louise MacDonnell (Dugan )
LOUISE DUGAN MACDONNELL (1926-2021) West Hartford—Louise Dugan MacDonnell of Hamilton, NY passed away on April 1 at the home of her son, Dr. William A. MacDonnell.
Louise was a beautiful lady with a loving spirit, and will be greatly missed by her devoted family, as well as by scores of people who were fortunate enough to meet and get to know her.
A native of Utica, NY, she was a daughter of her loving parents, Frank and Leah Dugan. This close family also included her sister, Sheila Dugan Shuman, and brother Michael Kevin Dugan. Educated in the Parochial schools, religion was a defining element in her growth. She was blessed with four Irish grandparents close by too, who helped influence her love of family, faith and humor. She was vivacious, loving and goodnatured. And – she was a world-class talker, her writing style resembled that of James Joyce.
Imagine sustaining a group of friends for more than 80 years. Louise did it, joining with 10 friends in 6th grade to form a lifelong group who loved and supported each other.
Louise married Edward T. MacDonnell, DDS in 1947; and established another loving family with son William Andrew and daughters Leah Louise and Nora Louise. Louise managed Edward’s dental practices, including over 25 years in Windsor, CT. Though very busy with the office and family, she also managed to be an active volunteer each place they lived.
The American Red Cross, League of Women Voters, Hartford Auxiliary Dental Society, Windsor Women’s Club (president), and General Federation of Women’s Clubs of CT all received her energetic support. Louise taught religious education in each hometown. Retiring to Edward’s family home in Hamilton, NY, she became very active with St. Mary’s Church. A Eucharistic Minister and a daily communicant, she became the first “presider” there. Helping others was her way of life. In so many unselfish ways—taking patients to medical appointments, visiting new mothers and infants, visiting patients weekly at Hamilton’s Skilled Nursing Facility. Louise was always moving and exhibiting her faith.
A lifelong learner with a zest for travel and knowledge, she relished taking numerous classes at Colgate University, of which Astronomy was her most favorite. She also participated in swimming and exercise groups there.
The family will cherish their memories of this kind and caring woman who loved others and served with a smile. She is survived by her children: William A. MacDonnell, DDS and his partner Cathy Welson; Leah L. MacDonnell; and Nora L. MacDonnell and husband Bradley R. Painter. Also, her four dear grandchildren Colleen Louise MacDonnell, Andrew C. MacDonnell, EileenM. MacDonnell and husband Jerry Sokola, and Patrick Edward MacDonnell and wife Corinne. “GG” was great grandmother to Carmen Tzab, Reese Sokola, Quinn MacDonnell, William MacDonnell and Jamie Sokola. Other survivors include her brother Kevin Dugan and his dear wife Barbara and many cherished nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by husband Edward T. MacDonnell D.D.S., her parents and her sister Sheila Dugan Shuman, brother-in-law Donald Shuman, and daughter-in-law Margie W. MacDonnell.
Louise’s family would like to thank her aides and nurses from McLean Hospice Home Care for their care and attention. Because of COVID there will be no calling hours and her Mass of Christian Burial will be private. Burial will be in Hamilton at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Louise’s name to The Altar and Rosary Society, St. Mary’s Church, 16 Wyle Street, Hamilton, NY 13346, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 468 Poquonock Avenue, Windsor, CT 06107; or a charity of your choice.
Louise was a beautiful lady with a loving spirit, and will be greatly missed by her devoted family, as well as by scores of people who were fortunate enough to meet and get to know her.
A native of Utica, NY, she was a daughter of her loving parents, Frank and Leah Dugan. This close family also included her sister, Sheila Dugan Shuman, and brother Michael Kevin Dugan. Educated in the Parochial schools, religion was a defining element in her growth. She was blessed with four Irish grandparents close by too, who helped influence her love of family, faith and humor. She was vivacious, loving and goodnatured. And – she was a world-class talker, her writing style resembled that of James Joyce.
Imagine sustaining a group of friends for more than 80 years. Louise did it, joining with 10 friends in 6th grade to form a lifelong group who loved and supported each other.
Louise married Edward T. MacDonnell, DDS in 1947; and established another loving family with son William Andrew and daughters Leah Louise and Nora Louise. Louise managed Edward’s dental practices, including over 25 years in Windsor, CT. Though very busy with the office and family, she also managed to be an active volunteer each place they lived.
The American Red Cross, League of Women Voters, Hartford Auxiliary Dental Society, Windsor Women’s Club (president), and General Federation of Women’s Clubs of CT all received her energetic support. Louise taught religious education in each hometown. Retiring to Edward’s family home in Hamilton, NY, she became very active with St. Mary’s Church. A Eucharistic Minister and a daily communicant, she became the first “presider” there. Helping others was her way of life. In so many unselfish ways—taking patients to medical appointments, visiting new mothers and infants, visiting patients weekly at Hamilton’s Skilled Nursing Facility. Louise was always moving and exhibiting her faith.
A lifelong learner with a zest for travel and knowledge, she relished taking numerous classes at Colgate University, of which Astronomy was her most favorite. She also participated in swimming and exercise groups there.
The family will cherish their memories of this kind and caring woman who loved others and served with a smile. She is survived by her children: William A. MacDonnell, DDS and his partner Cathy Welson; Leah L. MacDonnell; and Nora L. MacDonnell and husband Bradley R. Painter. Also, her four dear grandchildren Colleen Louise MacDonnell, Andrew C. MacDonnell, EileenM. MacDonnell and husband Jerry Sokola, and Patrick Edward MacDonnell and wife Corinne. “GG” was great grandmother to Carmen Tzab, Reese Sokola, Quinn MacDonnell, William MacDonnell and Jamie Sokola. Other survivors include her brother Kevin Dugan and his dear wife Barbara and many cherished nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by husband Edward T. MacDonnell D.D.S., her parents and her sister Sheila Dugan Shuman, brother-in-law Donald Shuman, and daughter-in-law Margie W. MacDonnell.
Louise’s family would like to thank her aides and nurses from McLean Hospice Home Care for their care and attention. Because of COVID there will be no calling hours and her Mass of Christian Burial will be private. Burial will be in Hamilton at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Louise’s name to The Altar and Rosary Society, St. Mary’s Church, 16 Wyle Street, Hamilton, NY 13346, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 468 Poquonock Avenue, Windsor, CT 06107; or a charity of your choice.