Obituary of Joan E. O'Donnell

Joan E. O’Donnell, nee Hitschler, of Breezy Point NY, passed away peacefully on November 13th after a short illness. Predeceased by her loving husband Jack, son Eugene (Diane), parents Carl and Betty, and sister Jean, she is survived by her children John (Lyn), Neil (Gayle), Doug, Kevin (Suzanne), Paul, Patricia Rom (Tommy), and Joan Piccione (Matt). She was affectionately known as Gigi by her 14 beloved grandchildren Anthony (Christina), Ryan (Caitlin), Shannon, Matthew, Thomas, Anna, Melissa, Sarah, Samantha, Eileen, Marie Elise, Jacqueline, John, and Tyler, and one great granddaughter Taylor. She was famous for her Pancake Sundays, surrounding herself with her children and grandchildren for a fun-filled family brunch after 10AM Mass every Sunday that was the highlight of the family’s week. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law Dottie, and many loving nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she was also a lifelong resident of Breezy Point, NY. Spending summers as a child at the beach, she fell in love with the ocean as an avid swimmer. She and Jack moved their young family fulltime to the seaside community, becoming one of the early families to be year round residents. She was the foundation of the family for her husband and children, providing a steady presence at home for all throughout the years.With many, many friends over all the years, she truly appreciated her Golden Age group friends at their weekly meetings and theme parties, making new memories and reliving their past remembrances of growing up in Breezy Point. One of her favorite recollections was riding the ferry to work as a phone operator back and forth from Kennedy’s dock to Sheepshead Bay, and the boat crew allowing her to pilot the ferry. Among her other favorite memories were all the wonderful times spent with her closest friends the Fitzgeralds, O’Rourkes, Armours, and Flynns. They were very, very dear to her. Visitation will be at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY on Wednesday November 16th from 6-9PM, and on Thursday November 17th from 2-5PM and 7-9PM. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More RC Church on Friday November 18th at 930AM. Private interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to be made to the Rockaway Point Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Corps. Please take advantage of the "condolence" and "candle" tab to the left of your screen. Take a moment to reflect, express and memorialize Joan on this tribute page to create a lasting remembrance for her family. Eternal rest grant unto Joan O Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon her. May Joan Rest in Peace. Amen. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Amen.