Kathleen Walsh O'Donnell

Kathleen Walsh O’Donnell, age 84, passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 27, 2020. She was born on December 8, 1935 in New Orleans to John E. Walsh, Sr. and Louise Dazet Walsh. She was the loving wife of Harold J. O’Donnell, Jr. for 58 years until his death in 2019. She attended Sacred Heart of Jesus for grammar school and high school, graduating as a member of the class of 1953. She then attended Soule Business College. In her professional life, she worked as a secretary/receptionist for New York Life and, after raising five children, for Godchaux’s and Stirling Properties until her retirement in 2009.

Kathleen was a founding parishioner of St. Benilde Parish in Metairie and a Girl Scout troop leader. She most recently volunteered at Ozanam Inn in New Orleans. Along with her husband, Kathleen was an avid supporter of the local arts and museums including NOMA, the National World War II Museum, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous local theatres. She thoroughly enjoyed dining out with her husband and Les Connoisseurs Dinner Club at local restaurants, as well as her monthly card games with friends. Kathleen loved to travel both domestically and internationally.

Kathleen was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her five (5) children: Kathy (Kathy Sponsel), Harold III (Kimberly), Erin (Oliver Bergeron), Sean (Leah), and Seamus (Carolyn); her five (5) grandchildren: Colin (Emily), Brenna, and Evan Bergeron; Gavin O’Donnell; Maverick Sponsel; her siblings Maura Walsh Donahue, Richard Walsh and Kevin Walsh. She is predeceased by her siblings John “Jack” Walsh, William “Bill” Walsh, Jules “Sonny” Walsh and Mary Walsh Webb.

A private Funeral Mass was held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Monday, May 4, 2020 with interment in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

To honor her memory, please make donations to Ozanam Inn or WYES-TV.

Due to the current extenuating circumstances, we ask that those who wish to express their condolences or share fond memories do so at www.lakelawnmetairie.com