Ann Marie (O'Donnell) Dunn

Ann Marie O’Donnell Dunn was called to her heavenly home peacefully in Holyoke early on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Born on February 6, 1928, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the only daughter of Terrence and Mary (Dempsey) O’Donnell. After graduating as valedictorian from Sacred Heart High School, Ann went to nursing school at Providence Hospital School of Nursing. She also received a Bachelor of Science degree from American International College in 1952 having been inducted into the Phi Sigma Phi honorary science fraternity. Not long after graduation, she married her beloved husband, William Dunn. Together they settled into the home they built together on Dunn Avenue. There they raised two sons. She is survived by her sons William of Holyoke and Michael (Mary) of West Springfield. She leaves adored grandchildren: Kelley Dunn of Oxford, MA; Michael Dunn of West Springfield; and Nicholas and Daniel Ferreira of West Springfield.  She also leaves her niece Gail Moran of Westhampton and a host of Dunn nieces and nephews to cherish her memory and Kelley’s mother Denise Dunn. She is predeceased by her husband William in 1995; her brother Terrence O’Donnell; her nephew Terrence O’Donnell and most recently, her Godson Marty Dunn. 

Ann will be fondly remembered as a loving wife and mother who adored her sons.  She doted on her grandchildren. In the 1980s until she retired, she was a compassionate nurse, who treated patients recovering from opioid addiction at a time few understood it. Her nursing friendships lasted a lifetime. She loved summers at Old Lyme Shores with all the Dunn family. In her last years at home, she enjoyed the faithful companionship of Casey, her Golden Retriever, with whom she always shared anything to eat. We will always miss her apple pie at family dinners. She just loved life and making people happy and that is a gift. She had kind words for everyone through her last days.

Ann’s family sends heartfelt appreciation and admiration for all the kind and loving care provided to her by the staff at Holyoke Healthcare Center over the past few years.

Family and friends are invited to meet for Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, June 6, 2022 at 11:30 A.M. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery all in Holyoke. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton, Street, Holyoke, MA.

Memorial contributions may be made Ann’s memory to the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, 627 Cottage Street, Springfield, MA  01104.

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