MONA DONNELLY

Dr. Mona Mary Donnelly, 92, of Alpena, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at her home. Mona was born on Nov. 25, 1932 to the late Vincent and Margaret Elizabeth (Obrien) Donnelly.

She attended St. Bernard Catholic School later on graduating from Catholic Central High School. She furthered her education by receiving a bachelor of arts degree and then her master degree at Michigan State University. Her final educational accomplishment was receiving her Ph.D. in Educational Curriculum and development in the field of Science and Math from The University of Illinois. Being Alumni form both Michigan State University and The University of Illinois, it was a challenge for Mona to decide which team to root for when they played each other. She would often be seen wearing her respective collegiate sweatshirt when her team was playing.

Mona was a public-school teacher in Michigan and Illinois for many years, a science textbook editor for the Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corp., a teaching assistant and supervisor of elementary student teachers at the University of Illinois, and retired as an associate professor in the college of education from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Mona was a very athletic person and played in several sports during her college days. She was well known in Alpena as a champion speedskater, and was inducted into the Alpena Sports Hall Of Fame in the first group of inductees in 1983.

After retiring, Mona moved to Hawaii, but after a few years she decided to move back to her hometown of Alpena. Having a very outgoing personality and being able to make everyone feel comfortable around her she became a hospice volunteer, a lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary Catholic Church. She enjoyed woodworking and became an accomplished wood carver. Anyone who knew Mona will tell you she was a generous and determined person with a good sense of humor and quick wit.

Mona was preceded in death by her sister who was a nun, Sister Patricia Donnelly, and her brothers, Vincent Paul and Brian Donnelly.

Memorial visitation will take place at St. Bernard Catholic Church on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Fr. Aloysius Okpala as celebrant. Arrangements have been handled by A.E. Ross Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to All Saints Catholic School or Hospice of Michigan. Online condolences may be registered at www.aerossfuneralhome.com.