Norma Ann Michele "Mickey" Mcdonnell

Passed away at The Pines Long Term Care Home on Monday, November 29th, 2021 at 6 pm with her sister Mary, at her side.

Michele was born in London, Ontario on September 29th, 1940, the fourth child of 5 children to Norma Marguerite (Hilliard) and Joseph Bourke McDonnell. Her eldest sister Margaret resided in Bermuda then moved to London, Ontario living briefly in a senior residence, until she passed away in November 2019. Followed suddenly by her younger brother Anthony McDonnell in early January 2020.  She is survived by her youngest brother Paul (London, Ontario) and her 2nd eldest sister Mary and husband Asger (Port Carling, Ontario).

Michele’s initial schooling, alongside her other four siblings was in London, Ontario. Following high School graduation, she received a nursing degree in 1962 at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Windsor. Her mother and eldest sister Margaret also received their nursing degrees (from St. Joseph’s Hospital, London, Ontario). After her graduation and training at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Michele and two other new nurse grads headed for Wiesbaden Germany for nursing jobs. After a short stay there Michele and another nurse headed back to Canada for jobs in Vancouver, B.C. Michele stayed on in Vancouver for nearly 20 years.

With failing health and rising physical disabilities she decided to return to Ontario and arrived at Gravenhurst’s Care Facility in 2001. She was there for 4 years. She then moved to Bracebridge to The Pines Long Term Care Home. At The Pines, Michele still enjoyed some of the activities offered, indoor gardening, occasional knitting, art classes and enjoyed reading and possessed almost as many books as the local Library… they will have even more books now.  She was very proud of her 2nd place art ribbon she won for her painting at the Bracebridge Fall Fair, 2 years ago.

Over the last few years, her physical health declined and advanced her physical disabilities and constant pain took its toll.

Rest in Peace Michele.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Pauls Roman Catholic Church, Gravenhurst on Wednesday, December 8th 2021 at 1 pm with Father Placid officiating. Cremation to follow. Her final resting place will be with her parents at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London, Ontario.