Mary F. Donnelly

MARY F. DONNELLY

OCTOBER 13, 1953 - SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

Mary Donnelly (née Sweeney), born October 13, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away September 18, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bruce and Eileen Sweeney, and her siblings Debbie, Bruce, and Chucky. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ed Donnelly, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, family, laughter, and travel. She was the loving mother of three children: Jennifer(Daniel), Michael(Amy), and Kim(Scott). She was a proud and deeply loved Mommom to Ashley(Ryan), Andrew(Megan), Colin, Samantha(Chris), and Teresa, and was blessed with six great-grandchildren. Jayla Hunter Mason Thomas Gianna Gabriella and Robbie Mary was one of nine children and is also survived by her siblings Jimmy, Russell, Kenny, Eileen, and Sandy, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly. Throughout her life, Mary wore many hats. She worked in a variety of roles, including waitressing, medical assistant, office manager, medical coder, and ultimately worked for the Philadelphia Superior Court. But the roles that meant the most to Mary were those that could never be defined by a job title: wife, mother, homemaker, Mommom, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Mary and Ed spent 11 years living in Florida before returning north and making Cape May County, New Jersey, their home for the last 5 years. Wherever Mary lived, she made it a place where family knew they were welcome. Mary loved bringing people together. Family parties and backyard barbecues were some of her happiest times, and Christmas held a particularly special place in her heart. She loved decorating and filling her home with the warmth and excitement of the season. And if you walked into Mary’s house, chances were you would hear music. The house was rarely quiet. There was always a song playing somewhere, and music was woven into the fabric of everyday life with her. She also loved traveling with Ed creating memories together over the many years they shared. Mary loved fiercely and wholeheartedly. She found happiness in the things that mattered most to her—being home, being surrounded by the people she loved, celebrating together, listening to music, laughing, and making memories with her family. She was strong, spirited, and unmistakably herself, and those who knew Mary knew that she did things on her own terms. Her family will remember not only the life she lived, but the feeling she created when everyone was together. Her music, her Christmas decorations, the family gatherings, the laughter, and the love she gave so freely will remain part of her family for generations. Mary was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. Her family takes comfort in knowing that after fighting so hard, she is finally at peace. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Thusday September 24, 2026 9:30AM to 11:00Am at The Edward J Petner Funeral Home(6421 Frankford Ave Phila. PA 19135. Christian Burial Service 11:00AM . Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mary's memory to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

https://www.stjude.org/