In Celebration of

Teresa McDonnell (née Tunney)

June 3, 1931 -  April 4, 2024

On Thursday in the Octave of Easter, April 4, 2024, Teresa Tunney McDonnell died peacefully, in her 93rd year, at The Toronto Grace Hospital, Palliative Care Unit after a long illness. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Frank (1989) and survived by her loving children Martin "Marty" and his wife Mary Flatley McDonnell, Stephen, James "Jamie" and his wife Tara Ales McDonnell, and Karen and her husband Steve Dénommée. Teresa was the proud grandmother of Dr. Sarah McDonnell and her fiancé Derrick Barach, Julia McDonnell, Connor Dénommée and his partner Alisha Knight, Aidan Dénommée, and Rose Dénommée and her partner Aiden Young. She is also survived by her sister Anne (Anna) O'Neill, SMH 1955, (the late Harry), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Godchildren. Teresa was the daughter of the late Mary Fidelis Merrick, John Tunney, and Thomas "Tom" Tunney. Her brothers predeceased her: John (Jack) and his wife Ann Smith, Jerry and his wife Renate Radl, Murray, Peter, and Tom's wife Marie Blomme Stevens. Teresa is survived by sisters-in-law Connie Tunney (Peter) and Tess Tunney (Murray). Her McDonnell in-laws Peggy (John McGrath), Michael (Jessie Porter), Doreen (Raymond Shaw), and Bob (Dorothy Hushin) all predecease her. Teresa grew up in East York and attended St. Brigid's School and Notre Dame High School, both conducted by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. The CND "Visitation Charism" deeply lived within Teresa. After graduating from NDHS and working at the Toronto Telegraph Office, Teresa discerned a vocation to nursing that she remained faithful to throughout her lifetime. Teresa enrolled in St. Michael's Hospital School of Nursing in January 1950. After graduation, she nursed at St. Michael's and later at Queensway General Hospital (now Trillium) for 30 years retiring from the ICU. Teresa was a dignified, and reserved person. She was a sustaining presence in the lives of many, particularly her children and grandchildren, generations of her extended family, neighbours, and friends. The coffee was always on, babies were soothed, wounds dressed, and the phone always answered. Throughout their marriage, around the dining room table, people reveled in Frank, while Teresa was quietly at the other end, fully engaged, listening, accompanying, and valuing each person. Thank you to everyone who gently and lovingly cared for Teresa. Visitation at Turner and Porter, Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke, ON Thursday, April 11, between 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gregory Church, 122 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke, ON, her parish of 60 years, on Friday, April 12. A private family interment will take place later at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations may be made in Teresa's memory to The Lake House Palliative Care Centre, St. Joseph's Hospital, 5M, 30 The Queensway, Toronto, ON M6R 1B5, or The Toronto Grace Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, 650 Church Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G5.

Dear Mum, "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Guestbook 

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Very Rev. Norbert Maduzia, Jr., E.V. (Friend of Steven)

Entered April 5, 2024 from Spring, Texas, USA

Be assured of my prayers for your mum’s eternal rest as well S prayers for the family. May our loving and merciful Lord grant her eternal rest and much peace and grace to all who grieve and mourn.

John Sicoli (Friend)

Entered April 6, 2024 from Brampton

Steve: Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers as you mourn the loss of your mom. You have been a devoted son, taking good care of her over these many years. No matter what age, we always miss our parents. I lost mine in 2015 and 2017 and think about them daily. Jim C. has shared the news with me and I know he values your friendship and concern for him as well. As your mom enjoys the fullness of her divine destiny, may she be greeted with an embrace from God, for now she is at peace. Take care of yourself.

Patrick Donovan (Family friend)

Entered April 6, 2024 from Toronto

Mrs.McDonnell… I loved being in her household when I was growing up and having amazing times with the family. I thought she was a wonderful mother and my God, the laughing I did between Teresa and Frank, that’s something I will never forget…. God bless

Lillian M Phelan (Anne 'Neill's sister-in-law)

Entered April 6, 2024 from Peterborough

Dear SOteve, I know you have been lovingly caring for your dear Mother and no doubt will grieve her passing. She was a beautiful woman in every way. Be comforted in knowing she is at peace now and will be looking after you. My deepest sympathy to all the family.

Marie Clancy (Cousin)

Entered April 7, 2024 from Alliston

We were so sad to hear about Teresa.
Marty, Stephen, Jamie & Karen - May your many wonderful memories of her be a source of comfort to you all. Our love & thoughts & prayers are with you all & your families & with Teresa.
Love & hugs, Marie & Greg

Photos 

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