Obituary of Carole Donnelly

Carole R. Donnelly was a woman who focused her life on her family, Catholic Faith, and many friendships passed away with her family at her side on Friday morning, September 9, 2011. Carole was born in Somerville the daughter of the late Michael and Rose Lombard. She grew up in Somerville and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School. At the age of 10 she met her future husband, Robert J. Donnelly and his family. Carole’s brother Eugene started dating and eventually marrying Robert’s sister, Helen. At the age of 20, Carole followed her brother’s lead and married into the Donnelly family. Carole and Bob settled in Woburn to raise their 4 children. She cherished her role as mother and homemaker, being an active part of her children’s lives as they grew up. When her children were off at school she went to work at Utica Insurance first in Burlington and then Wakefield as a claims specialist. She enjoyed her work, but loved being a mother. She was always there to support her children in their activities in interests. She was even a Troop Leader for her sons Cub Scouts. She loved being a special “Nana” to her grandchildren. She leaves her family with lasting memories filled with love and laughter. Carole was a very active member of Saint Barbara’s Church. She attended daily mass, taught religious education, helped on the social committee, a member of the Young at Hearts, and any other activity or event the church was offering. To Carole, St. Barbara’s Church was not only a place to express her faith, it was her extended family. Carole had a number of other interests and activities. She had an outgoing personality and loved to be with family and friends. She was an active member of the Irish American Club. She enjoyed the many social, activities and trips the club offered. She loved to travel with friends and family to Ireland, Hawaii, Las Vegas, or wherever the next port on a cruise. She was always a fun person to share time with. She had wonderful memories of summers spent on Cape Cod. She also loved animals, especially her dogs Max and Molly who were always at her side during her illness. Carole was the beloved wife of the late Robert J. Donnelly. She was the loving mother of Robert G. Donnelly of W. Newfield, ME, Patricia A. Visconti & her husband William of Woburn, Wendy M. Evans & her husband John of Derry, NH, and the late James M. Donnelly. She was the sister of the late Eugene Lombard & his wife Helen of Woburn and late Richard Lombard & his wife Lucylle of Lynn. She was the proud grandmother of Derek & Heidi Donnelly, Melissa, Christine, & Caitlyn Evans, and Jennifer & Halley Visconti. She was also survived by 4 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, friends, and her companions Max & Molly. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Barbara’s Church at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 3-6 p.m. Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Memorials in Carole’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472. For directions, obituary, & online guest book see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net or www.rc.net/boston/st_barbara/index.htm