Marie J. (Gillis) Eason O’Donnell, 77, passed away surrounded by her family, at her home in Plaistow, N.H., after a long battle with Alzheimers. Before her illness she resided in Haverhill and Port Charlotte, Fla.
She was born in Boston, July 31 1938, the daughter of the late John J. and Lile Gillis. O’Donnell was educated and graduated from St. James High School in Haverhill. She furthered her education, earning her RN degree from Mass Bay Community College and earning her masters degree in nursing from UMass Lowell. For many years Ms. O’Donnell was employed as a registered nurse at Hale Hospital, Haverhill, and Bon Secours Hospital, Methuen. She was head of the CCD program at Sacred Hearts Church for many years. She was a Eucharistic minister and overcame many obstacles, such as lung cancer. O’Donnell formed Reclaim Life, a pain clinic ahead of its time. She was a member of the Moose Lodge and enjoyed playing golf, dancing, singing and was a self taught pianist. She was invited and sang in Italy for the inauguration of the Pope. Her biggest love was spending time with her family and helping others.
She is survived by her daughter Linda Eason of Plaistow, N.H.; son Glen Eason and daughter Donna Spinney, both of Amesbury; grandchildren, Patrick, Jason, John Lee, Derek, Justin, Ashley and Erin, Mackenzie; great great grandchildren, Emma, Charles and Mila; special friends, Terry Johnson and Bob Nuccitelli; as well as several nieces and nephews. O’Donnell was predeceased by the father of her children David W. Eason; her son, John Eason, who passed away in July, granddaughter Jessica; and sister Barbara Mumper. The family thanks Ademia, Lisa and Nick from Merrimack Valley Hospice for the love, support and care they provided to O’Donnell and her family.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon with a service to follow at 12:15 at the H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. Burial will be private and at the convenience of her family. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St. Watertown, MA 02472. Or to Merrimack Valley Hospice 360 Merrimack Street Bldg. 9 Lawrence, MA 01843.