Obituary of Catherine McDonnell

Catherine “Cass” McDonnell, age 94, of East Norriton, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2018 at Brightview East Norriton, where she touched many hearts with her love of singing.  Her favorite songs were “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “You Are My Sunshine.”

Catherine was born in Pittsfield, MA on November 13, 1923, a daughter of the late William and Catherine (Came) Sheerin.

Before moving to Brightview, Cass lived on High Street in Norristown for 52 years.  She was a member of Saint Paul’s RC Church. 

She is the wife of the late Harold “Mick” McDonnell.

Survivors include her five children:

Kathleen (David) McDonnell-Forney of Saint Paul, MN,

Patricia (the late Wayne) Tyson of Philadelphia, PA

Michael (Karen) McDonnell of Bridgeton, ME,

Maureen (Howard) Wolfe of Buckingham, IA,

and Sharon (Francis) Mashintonio of North Wales, PA;

as well as one sister, Margaret Rooney of Philadelphia, PA.

Cass is also survived by five grandchildren: David-Michael “Mack”; Catherine; Jason; Andrew; and Jenifer, and eight great grandchildren.  

Along with her husband and parents, Catherine was preceded in death by seven siblings. 

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 5, 2018, 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s RC Church, 714 DeKalb St., Norristown, PA 19401.    Fr. Gus Puleo will celebrate the Mass. 

A viewing for family and friends will take place on Friday morning from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM at the Church. 

Interment will follow in Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, 656 Transfer Road, St. Paul, MN  55114 (www.dsamn.org/donate).