Eastern Passage, NS
June 3, 1931 - April 4, 2024
On Thursday in the Octave of Easter, April 4, 2024, Teresa Tunney McDonnell died peacefully, in her 93rd year, at The Toronto Grace Hospital, Palliative Care Unit after a long illness.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Frank (1989) and survived by her loving children Martin "Marty" and his wife Mary Flatley McDonnell, Stephen, James "Jamie" and his wife Tara Ales McDonnell, and Karen and her husband Steve Dénommée.
Teresa was the proud grandmother of Dr. Sarah McDonnell and her fiancé Derrick Barach, Julia McDonnell, Connor Dénommée and his partner Alisha Knight, Aidan Dénommée, and Rose Dénommée and her partner Aiden Young. She is also survived by her sister Anne (Anna) O'Neill, SMH 1955, (the late Harry), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Godchildren.
Teresa was the daughter of the late Mary Fidelis Merrick, John Tunney, and Thomas "Tom" Tunney. Her brothers predeceased her: John (Jack) and his wife Ann Smith, Jerry and his wife Renate Radl, Murray, Peter, and Tom's wife Marie Blomme Stevens.
Teresa is survived by sisters-in-law Connie Tunney (Peter) and Tess Tunney (Murray). Her McDonnell in-laws Peggy (John McGrath), Michael (Jessie Porter), Doreen (Raymond Shaw), and Bob (Dorothy Hushin) all predecease her.
Teresa grew up in East York and attended St. Brigid's School and Notre Dame High School, both conducted by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. The CND "Visitation Charism" deeply lived within Teresa. After graduating from NDHS and working at the Toronto Telegraph Office, Teresa discerned a vocation to nursing that she remained faithful to throughout her lifetime.
Teresa enrolled in St. Michael's Hospital School of Nursing in January 1950. After graduation, she nursed at St. Michael's and later at Queensway General Hospital (now Trillium) for 30 years retiring from the ICU. Teresa was a dignified, and reserved person. She was a sustaining presence in the lives of many, particularly her children and grandchildren, generations of her extended family, neighbours, and friends. The coffee was always on, babies were soothed, wounds dressed, and the phone always answered.
Throughout their marriage, around the dining room table, people reveled in Frank, while Teresa was quietly at the other end, fully engaged, listening, accompanying, and valuing each person. Thank you to everyone who gently and lovingly cared for Teresa.
Visitation at Turner and Porter, Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke, ON Thursday, April 11, between 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gregory Church, 122 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke, ON, her parish of 60 years, on Friday, April 12.
A private family interment will take place later at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations may be made in Teresa's memory to The Lake House Palliative Care Centre, St. Joseph's Hospital, 5M, 30 The Queensway, Toronto, ON M6R 1B5, or The Toronto Grace Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, 650 Church Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G5.
Dear Mum, "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
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