Diane O'Donnell
Diane O'Donnell
Diane O’Donnell passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024. She was born on January 15, 1940, daughter of Dr. C.J. O’Donnell and Helen (nee Reinkober) O’Donnell of Chilton, WI.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Dennis and Nancy O’Donnell.
Diane was a devoted Registered Nurse with a deep passion for caring for others, especially the less fortunate. She earned her nursing diploma from St. Mary’s School of Nursing, a BSN from Marquette University College of Nursing, and an MS from UW Madison School of Nursing. Diane dedicated much of her career to nursing education, serving as an instructor at Alverno College Department of Nursing and UW Milwaukee School of Nursing. She further contributed to the Nursing Education Departments at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Aurora Health Care, teaching at West Allis Memorial Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Diane’s compassion extended beyond her professional life. She was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for over 20 years and a member of the Human Concerns Committee at several parishes, advocating for children and the most vulnerable.
She was also a distinguished member of Toastmasters International, achieving the level of Distinguished Toastmaster and serving as both Area Governor and District Area Governor. Whether in nursing or Toastmasters, Diane was committed to mentoring and serving as a role model.
Diane cherished her relationship with her godchild Catherine Anne Weitenbeck and Cathy’s siblings, Mary Schweigl, and Tom Weitenbeck. She was known for her thoughtful notes and letters to her cousins and many friends. She was always looking for ways to bring joy to those around her.
The family would like to extend thanks to the staff at Clement Manor, and two special hospice caretakers, Jennifer and Samantha - Allay Home and Hospice for their loving care of Diane.
Visitation will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3722 S. 58th Street, Milwaukee, WI, followed by a Memorial Mass at 12:00 PM. Her ashes will be interred in the family burial plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Chilton, WI.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, the family requests memorials be made to Allay Hospice/Allay Cares, 325 N. Corporate Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045.
