Clara Donnellan

Clara Donnellan passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024 in Roseville, MN at 100 years old. Her family envisions her in the loving arms of her husband, James (Jim) Donnellan, who passed away in 2012.

Clara initially worked as a medical secretary in her younger years and engaged in many hobbies throughout her life, including painting, sewing, volunteering, cooking, and baking. She was a devout Catholic, who loved to support her home church, St. Mary of the Lake, and St. Pius X Church, by donating many of her paintings to both over the years.

Clara grew up in New York, the youngest of 12 children, whose parents immigrated from Italy. She met the love of her life at a fair in Olean, NY. Their first years of marriage were not easy, with Jim serving in India during WWII and a new baby (Jimmy), who did not meet his Dad until he was two years old. After the war, they settled into family life, eventually moving to Buffalo, NY; Worcester, MA; Broomall, PA and finally Vadnais Heights, MN.

Clara's heart belonged to her family, which grew from 4 children to 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. In addition, there was Jim's son, David, and his family. She was happiest cooking Sunday dinner for her family and spoiled them rotten with homemade ravioli, cakes, and cookies.

In addition to her parents, Clara is preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and 11 siblings. She is survived by 4 children and Jim's son: James (Judy), Cindy (Gary), Suzanne (Chuck), Lori (Roger), David (Jean); 7 grandchildren: Amy, Carrie, Bruce, Sean, Josh, Tim, Elizabeth; 5 great-grandchildren: Max, Grace, Sam, James, Milo.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Mary of the Lake, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Clara by donating to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.