Ella F Donnelly
Ella F Donnelly, 89, died unexpectedly December 21,2019 at her home in Danielson, Ct.
She was born August 24,1930 in Fall River, MA and was the daughter of the late Vernon and Frances (Merriman) Gray of Bristol RI and beloved wife of the late William F. Donnelly.
As a graduate of Colt High School, Bristol, RI, she earned her nursing diploma from Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing, Fall River, MA and continued her education in physical therapy at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. She had a lifelong career as a physical therapist including her work at Meeting Street School where she met her husband William.
She was raised in Bristol RI and lived in Riverside RI for many years before moving to Danielson, CT in 2006. She worked with her husband William, of 52 years, who owned Donnelly Photography and Fast Foto assisting him at many photography events. She was an active member of the East Providence-Seekonk Rotary. She was a passionate follower of her beloved PAW SOX attending numerous games throughout the season. She loved seeing her extended family at the Bristol 4th of July parade each year.
She is survived by three daughters, Patricia Reidy of Cotuit MA and her husband David, Colleen Martino of Westerly RI and her husband Robert, Kathleen Heffernan of North Richland Hills Texas and her nephew, Gregory DeCosta of California; five grandchildren Meghan, Shaelah, Patrick, Nicholas, Lauren; and two great grandchildren Henry and Eloise. She was the sister of the late Sally DeCosta.
Funeral services will be held in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME at 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside, RI on Saturday January 4, 2020 at 1 PM. Calling hours are from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in Ella’s memory to East Providence-Seekonk Rotary Club, P.O. Box 14303, East Providence, RI, 02914 would be deeply appreciated.
