Delia McDonnell

Delia McDonnell, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 30, 2021 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Mary and James Flaherty, in Lafayette, New Jersey.  She is predeceased by her husband of 54 years, James, her parents, James and Delia Moran and siblings, Tom, Jay, Nora and Martin.  She is survived by her children Patrick, Martin and Mary, her daughter-in-law Laura, her sister Anne King, her grandchildren, Maureen, Brendan, Katie, Anya, Shane, Brent, Clay, English and Cameron along with many nieces and nephews.     

Delia was born on February 11, 1930 and baptized in Knock Parish Church in the County of Mayo, Ireland.  She lived in the village of Faughill in Mayo until she immigrated for the first time to the United States at the age of 21.  She returned to Mayo to marry James on January 5, 1954.  In 1956 they immigrated to the United States where they ultimately became citizens.  After a lifetime of hard work James and Delia returned to their country roots, retiring to Callicoon, New York where they spent many happy years together. 

Faith and Family were the pillars of Delia’s life.  Upon her retirement Delia devoted her time to the parish and community of Holy Cross in Callicoon.  Delia travelled extensively, visiting the Holy Land, Rome, and the shrines at Medjugorje in Bosnia and Guadalupe in Mexico.  She often returned to Ireland and England to visit family. 

Delia prized hard work.  She was a tireless housekeeper. Outside the home she worked for a time with her husband as the superintendents of an apartment building in Woodside, Queens so Patrick, Martin and Mary could spend summers with her father on his farm in Faughill and to purchase their home in Flushing, Queens in 1966.  Delia happily spent long hours gardening and landscaping.

Thank you to all who sent their condolences, thoughts and prayers. The funeral mass will be held in Holy Cross Church on January 7, 2022 at 12 Noon. CDC protocols for Covid  will be followed and masks will be required at the funeral mass.  Delia will be buried with James at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Obernburg, New York.   

Mom we miss you but we know that you will always be with us. 

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