Obituary of Carol A. O'Donnell

Carol Ann O’Donnell, 79, of Harrisburg, PA passed away on January 7, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Carol was born on July 11, 1942 in Shamokin, PA, the daughter of the late Mary and Raymond Annis. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Gerald R O’Donnell, Sr, with whom she shared 56 blissful years of marriage. Carol is preceded in death by three brothers, her sister, and her grandson, Henry O’Donnell. Carol is survived by her three children, Tara Koch (Jason) of Harrisburg, Brian O’Donnell (Brett) of Harrisburg, and Gerald O’Donnell, Jr (Lisa) of Dover, PA. She is also survived by ten grandchildren (Brady, Ava and Andrew Koch; Sarah, Samantha, Tabitha, Julia, Caleb, Rowan and Seth O’Donnell), two brothers, nephews, nieces and several cousins. Carol was a friend to all she encountered, always ready with a beautiful smile. She loved music, dancing, and was frequently the life of the party. She enjoyed cooking for her family, making Italian dishes and Sunday dinners with polka music playing in the background. Her most cherished role in life was being a grandmother, in attendance for activities, games and every momentous occasion. Carol and her husband were active in their parish, Saint Margaret Mary, and belonged to the Golden Oldies group, spending time traveling with beloved friends. Early in their marriage, Carol and her husband lived abroad in France due to assignment of the US Army, which was an experience she enjoyed recollecting. They lived for a short time in New Jersey and settled in Harrisburg, PA where they raised their family. Carol worked in various jobs, always putting family first and retired from the Central Dauphin School District as a cook. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11am at Saint Margaret Mary Church, 2800 Paxton Church Road, Harrisburg, PA. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to mass at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Central PA, who made it possible for Carol to spend her last weeks comfortably at home, surrounded by her family and countless friends.