McDONNELL Eileen (Thornton) of Dedham formerly of Brookline and Furbo, Co. Galway, Ireland passed away on May 8, 2017 at Clark House in Westwood. She was the beloved daughter of the late Jim and Julia (Lydon) Thornton of Co. Galway. Devoted wife of the late Jim McDonnell. Loving mother of Jim McDonnell and his wife Kathy of Long Beach, CA., Eileen McDonnell of Dedham, and the late Barry McDonnell and his surviving wife Donna of Billerica. Loving grandmother of Kelly, Megan, and Matthew. Dear sister of the late Charlie, Martin, Nora, Mary, John, Delia, Cole, Julia, Sal, Kathleen, Paddy, and Stephen. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Eileen immigrated from Co. Galway Ireland in 1958 after living in London and Manchester England, where she met her future husband Jim McDonnell. They settled in Brookline Village and remained in Brookline until 1986 when they moved to Dedham. Eileen had a deep love for her family, her Catholic Faith, and the Boston Red Sox! She loved to laugh and always saw the positive side of people.
Funeral from the P.E. Murray - F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 2000 Centre St. West Roxbury on Friday, May 12th at 8am. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Susanna’s Church, Dedham at 9am. Relatives & friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-8pm. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Eileen’s memory to St. Susanna’s Church 262 Needham St. Dedham, MA 02026. For directions and guestbook pemurrayfuneral.com.