Obituary for Mary Ann McDonell

Age 78, beloved Wife, Mom and Grandma passed away on July 17, 2020 from complications of a brain bleed. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Mary Ann was born May 4, 1942 in Little Falls, MN to Albert and Lucetta Kroll, where she was the oldest of six children. She grew up in Duluth, where she met the love of her life, Dan McDonell, and they were married in 1966. She attended Nurses Training in Little Falls, where her life long career and love of nursing began. Later on she was “Nurse Mary Ann” to those who knew her. Her 57 year nursing career started in the operating room in Duluth, and after the birth of her children transitioned to the local elementary school as the school nurse. She was also a parish nurse at her church.

Mary Ann enjoyed traveling with Dan, and visited nine different countries in retirement. Most of her time was joyfully spent loving and chasing seven grandchildren. She was the best cheerleader in the stands for their hockey, volleyball, and softball games. She also enjoyed their theater productions, musical concerts and baking often with them in her kitchen.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Dan, her children, Jennifer (Erich), Julie (Jeff), Jodie (Steve) and Jill (Matt). She deeply loved each of her seven grandchildren (Max, Jake, Olivia, Riley, Jordan, Peyton and Aiden). Mary Ann is also survived by her five siblings, Jim (Marilyn), Albert (Shirley), Lucetta (John), Bob (Linda, deceased), and Dorothy (Bruce) as well as a wide circle of amazing friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, July 23^rd at 11:00 am at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, located at 7025 Halifax Avenue North, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 9:30-11:00 am. Due to current social restraints and church limited seating, St. Alphonsus will also live stream the mass on their home Facebook page. Mary Ann’s final resting place will be St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Osseo, MN.