1931 ~ O’DONNELL ~ 2015

Catherine “Sheila” O’Donnell of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Rudolf Winter, passed away on Saturday, January 31st, 2015 at the age of 84 years. Sheila leaves to cherish her memory four sons, Keiron (Jill) O’Donnell, Barry O’Donnell (Joan Steiert), Dan (Arleen) O’Donnell and Joe O’Donnell; one daughter, Mata (Clyde) Pudwell; eight grandchildren, Amanda, Lee, Randi, Shane, Ryan, Shelby, Kelsey and Braydon; one sister, Anne Laverty; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren through her extended families. Sheila was predeceased by her parents, Edward and May Donnelly; two brothers, Eddie Donnelly and Jim Donnelly; and one sister, Alice Quinn. From Northern Ireland to Southern Alberta, Sheila is legendary for her fierceness and tenacity when fighting for her family or rights. She was always among the smallest in stature yet biggest of heart. These are the traits she used to accomplish some of her greatest achievements including time as the Union Rep for the hospital staff. If she could do it all over, she would have been a politician, but with true accountability! Sheila had a gift for endearing herself to anyone she met and her friendships were lifelong, especially with Mata Rinke, who was the first person she met when she came to Medicine Hat. Her idea of a vacation was returning home to Ireland to spend time with family, a trip she made so often that in her late seventies she was invited by the Irish Parliament to return once more and accompany VIP’s on a special train ride to Dublin where she was awarded a copy of the original Proclamation of Independence! That was one of the proudest moments in her life. She always put family ahead of herself, and led by example with her attitude and manners. She never complained, or aspired for riches, or lived beyond her means, yet she always portrayed herself as a lady and loved people commenting on her fashion sense. Despite the pain throughout her life, she fought with grace and dignity to the last moment cherishing every second she could steal to be with her family. On behalf of our Mom, a special thank you to Dr. Durand and his staff, and thank you to the nurses, doctors, and support staff of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, especially in the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, for the care they provided. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Tuesday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 until 10:55 a.m. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Wednesday, February 4th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Father John Maes, officiating. Interment will take place at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Sheila’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, c/o Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Sheila O’Donnell. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, \”The Chapel in the Park\”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599