E. Joanne Donnell

DONNELL, E. Joanne age 94, passed away February 12, 2013. She was born on July 1, 1918 in Newport, Washington to Walford and Johanna Swanson. She was married for 70 years to her beloved husband Clem Donnell, whom she met in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin during WWII where he was on leave from the Navy. To honor his survival of the attack on Pearl Harbor, they married one year later on December 7, 1942. After the war, they moved to Dayton to start a business and a family. Together they grew Donnell Inc., a plumbing business in Dayton. The first 35 years of their retirement was spent in Sanibel Island and Ft. Myers, Florida where Joanne enjoyed collecting shells, playing bridge and the company of wonderful friends. Joanne is an inspiration to her family showing great strength, faith, love and devotion. She's survived by husband Clem; daughter Carol Elson (Steve) and son Ted (Karen Wintrow); grandchildren Todd (Kristen) and Marcy Elson (Jim Elam) and Lucas Donnell; great grandchildren Nicholas, Megan, Madison, Mallory and Eian. She was preceded in death by her dear brother Roy and sister Jeanne. Special friend Linda Ruddy showed wonderful care and concern for Joanne. Joanne was deeply devoted to the church and found great solace in her faith throughout her life. A service to celebrate Joanne's life will be held on February 20 at 6 pm at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL with visitation beginning at 5 pm. The family extends their deep appreciation to the nurses and staff of Sycamore Glen Nursing Home and Hospice of Dayton for their exceptional care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. Condolences may be expressed at tobiasfuneralhome.com