Obituary of Judith McDonnell

Judith Ann McDonnell (nee Bruscino) "Judy" Age 75, of Channahon, IL and formerly of New York, and Park Forest, IL, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to South Suburban Humane Society, Chicago Heights, IL (www.southsuburbanhumanesociety.org) would be appreciated. A Tree Grows in Channahon… …the Tree of Life reappears in the last book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation, and most predominantly… as a part of the new garden of paradise. it is no longer forbidden, for those who do Christ's commandments "have right to the tree of life" (v.14). …The tree of life is the love of God. The 1940s was a turbulent era dominated by WWII. The world's tragedies overshadowed Europe, and then the South Pacific. At the time, there were few who realized what an amazing event happened in Bay Shore, New York on May 4, 1940. Judith Ann Bruscino was born. With her birth, she set off a chain reaction that began a lifetime of choices and events, shaping countless lives; bringing us to January 9, 2016 — 75 and 1/2 years later….. The Seedling Daughter to Emil and Claire Bruscino, Judy, as she was known, lived a happy childhood on Long Island, NY. With her parents and two siblings, (James and Jeanne) she enjoyed school and a simpler way of life. Judy's mother was a nurse and her father owned an auto garage. In 1951, the Bruscino family was the first on their block to have a television set. Alas, even TV couldn't replace Judy's love for books. Always an A student, it was a given Judy would attend college and become a teacher. The Sapling In 1965, Judy graduated Geneseo State College and became a librarian and then an elementary school teacher at South County School in the Bayshore, Long Island School System in New York. She met and later married, Joseph McDonnell (Joe) on October 14, 1967. They moved from New York to Washington, DC where Joe finished his Master's Degree and Judy worked as a teacher in the District of Columbia School System. The Branches Judy and Joe have three daughters: Claire Elizabeth - born July, 1968; Rosemary Cynthia - born July, 1969; Aimee Marie — born October, 1971. The Orchard During the early years, Judy and Joe moved numerous times from Glen Echo, Maryland; to Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania; to Columbus, Ohio ;and finally settled in Park Forest, Illinois in 1973. For the next 20 years, Judy embraced her role as wife and mother. With a busy life as mother to three girls, Judy immersed herself as family coordinator. She took time off from teaching to raise her family, care for her husband, and become involved in her girls' busy lives. Judy was a PTA member, voluneer at the elementary school, Room Mom and Art/Picture Mom. She became the newsletter Editor/Artist for Indiana School Echo for three years. As her girls grew up, she returned to work, first as a substitute teacher, then as a teacher's aide at Rich East High School. In 1986, she found full-time work as a 3rd grade teacher at Beethoven Elementary; in one of the toughest neighborhoods on Chicago's South Side. The Trunk's Rings As the years passed, Judy retired from teaching, her daughters had graduated college and began lives of their own. She and Joe settled into the so-called "Golden Years." Judy worked part time at the local cable company. When her first granddaughter was born, she gave up her part-time job. Judy took care of her granddaughter (Mikayla) so that Claire could resume her career. She then did the same for Aimee's daughters (Julianna and Samantha); watching them during the day, so Aimee also could return to work. When Joe became a Deacon, she embraced the Catholic community as a lector, committee member for decorating, and coordinated the the Blessing of the Animals events. She and Joe built a home in Pentwater, Michigan where they and their children spent summer vacations. They enjoyed traveling. Additionally, she and Joe also traveled to Italy, tracing some of her Italian roots. Judy was a multi-talented woman. She was known to rescue and care for stray cats. She and her daughter, Rosemary, rescued and adopted more than a dozen cats and dogs. In addition, as a life-long book lover, she volunteered at the local library. She became bookkeeper for her and Joe's business vacation-home in Alabama. In her spare time, she loved to garden. People describe Judy as sweet, spunky, full of strength and compassion. She was an open woman, always willing to help those she loved and those in need. She was an inspirational teacher and mentor. Former students remember her fondly. The Roots Roots — the strongest part of the tree. There in the beginning, and there at the end. Judy lives on through our memories. Her roots run deep through all of us; her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. We are better people for having known and loved her, as she shaped and nurtured us throughout our lives. With a beautiful soul and an enormous heart, Judy's beauty ran deep, stemming from her very core. She found the extraordinary in the ordinary. Leaving behind the leaves, scattered to the wind, Judy always will be our Tree of Life. All friends and relatives are invited to gather Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 N. Brookforest Dr., Shorewood, IL from 9:30 a.m. until a Memorial Mass is celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Minooka, IL. For information (815) 741-5500.