Maureen K. O'Donnell

ODONNELL - Maureen K. Longtime resident of Grand Island NY, passed away peacefully on Aug. 22, 2022 at age 90. Raised in Tonawanda, talented in music and academics, Maureen attended Mount St. Mary Academy and then entered the Sisters of St. Mary Namur for five years as Sister Francis Joseph. Later as a wife and mother she loved and raised five children; Edward (Cindy Tucker) Graesser, Daniel Graesser, Mary (Bryant) Pfalzer, John Graesser, the late Monica Graesser, and grandchild Justin Graesser. She was loving grandmother to James Bishop, Patrick (Natalie) Bishop, Justin Graesser, and Matthew Graesser. She is survived by her sister Theresa Hulub and many nieces and nephews. Her parents were Daniel and Mary E. ODonnell (nee McConville). Late siblings were Margaret M. ODonnell, Elizabeth OConnell, Patricia Zengl, Daniel F. ODonnell, and Joseph ODonnell. Maureen was Asst. to Dir. of Human Genetics at SUNYRF. She attended Canisius College and subsequently graduated with her Bachelors from SUNY Empire State College. Since the 1970s she was an instructor of adult physical fitness and water aerobics, and was a certified lifeguard. She led classes at the Tonawanda Aquatics Center well into her eighties. She competed as a senior athlete in swimming and race walking. She won numerous medals in Empire State Games and in national meets. As an avid skier, she skied the world with Bell Ski Club and UBs Schussmeisters. She was a devoted parishioner at St. Stephens Church. The family is forever grateful for the loving home and upbringing she provided for them on Grand Island. Visitation will be at the Lombardo Funeral Home, 885 Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst on Sunday Aug. 28th from 3 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday Aug. 29th at 9:30 AM, at St. Stephens RC Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island NY. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Alzheimers Association of WNY or Hospice Buffalo. Webcast: www.ststephenswny.com