Elizabeth Bryan McDonnel

Elizabeth Bryan McDonnel, died on February 22, 2014 in Olympia, Washington surrounded by friends and family. Elizabeth was born July 3, 1957 to William John and Rebecca Champion McDonnel, in Mt. Holly, NJ. Elizabeth grew up with her parents and sister in Mt. Holly and attended Rancocas Valley Regional High School, where she excelled in both academics and music. She then attended Bucknell University and Rutgers University (New Brunswick) Douglas College and received her Bachelor’s degree in women’s studies. In 1979 she moved west to settle in Seattle, Washington and moved to Olympia in 1996. She received her degree in nursing from Shoreline Community College in 1983 and had a long career as a clinical nurse, including the past 16 years at St. Peter’s Family Clinic – Providence Hospital. Elizabeth will be long remembered for her positive outlook on life, her ability to help others, her many salad recipes, and her dear friendship. She was loved by many, including the family she left behind: her mother, Rebecca C. M. White (Edward); her father, William J. McDonnel (Louise); her sister Marthe M. Neill (James); her niece, Rebecca J. Neill, and her nephew, James W. Neill. Elizabeth created a beautiful loving community of family and friends who supported her throughout her life. She was active in several women’s groups, song circles, and a longstanding “Poker” group. She believed in the circle of nature and the beauty of Mother Earth and the universe. She loved her work as a nurse and loved St. Peter’s Family Clinic. She was a compassionate friend to many. Elizabeth pursued her life goals with enthusiasm and optimism. She loved the life she led and the friend who had become her family. She will be especially missed by her close friends, her poker group friends, her book club friends, her women’s circle friends, her work friends, her psychic friends, her music circle friends, and her choir friends. Elizabeth will always have a place in the hearts of those she loved. She has gone to be in the Universe again. Her body and soul have been set free and her beautiful music goes on. At Elizabeth’s request her body has been cremated and will be returned Mt. Holly, NJ for a burial in spring 2014. The first of two celebrations of Elizabeth’s life was held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church in Olympia, WA. A second celebration will be held on May 24, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mount Holly. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, May 24 from 10-11 AM.

Elizabeth Bryan McDonnel

July 3, 1957 - February 22, 2014