Obituary of Mary Jane (Brandi) McDonnell

McDonnell, Mary Jane (Brandi)

Saginaw, Michigan

 Mary Jane (Brandi) McDonnell, age 99, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024 at her home with her family by her side. Mary Jane was born on March 16, 1924 in Saginaw, Michigan the daughter of the late Salvatore and Raffaela (Pito) Brandi. Mary Jane was united in marriage to the late Lynden “Lynn” McDonnell on November 9, 1946 in Saginaw, MI; he preceded her in death on January 19, 1998.

Mary Jane retired from the State of Michigan in 1985. She was a longtime member of St. Dominic Catholic Church-St. Stephen Site, Alter Society and participated in the Bible studies. Mary Jane donated her time playing the organ for Mt. Caramel, St. Anthony/Queen of Angels Retreat House and St. Stephen Catholic Church. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, golfing (former member of Maple Hill Golf Club) and playing cards. But most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. She will always be remembered for her homemade Italian bread and spaghetti dinners on Sundays.

Mary Jane is survived by her children: Mary Lynn Lutenski and Kevin (Linda) McDonnell; four grandchildren: Kelly (Matt) Damsen, Shannon (Dennis) Darabos, Michael (Suzanne) McDonnell and Lauren (Justin) Bess; seven great-grandchildren: Madey Lutenski, Max and Mason Damsen, Quinn and Kennedy Darabos, Juliet and Levi Bess; brother and sister in-laws: Mike (Alice) McDonnell, Sr. Irene Mary McDonnell, Marguarite McDonnell and Mary Lou (Brandi) Peterson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Lynn, Mary Jane was preceded in death by her brothers: Angelo, Daniel, Samuel, Joseph, Jack and Ralph Brandi; sisters: Irene Koerner and Edith Pellow.

A very special thanks to her niece, Kris Brandi, her caregiver, Kim Carter, Rev. Fr. Bill Rutkowski and Covenant VNA Hospice.

FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy for Mary Jane will take place Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Dominic Catholic Church-St. Stephen site, 1310 Malzahn St. Saginaw, MI  48602 with Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit to officiate. Interment to follow in St. Andrews Cemetery.

VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and again Tuesday morning at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. A Vigil for the Deceased will take place Monday evening at 5:30 pm.

MEMORIALS: Those planning a memorial contributions are asked to consider St. Dominic Catholic Church-St. Stephen site. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com