Nancy Regina O'Donnell

Nancy Regina O'Donnell passed away in the presence of her loving family at her home on February 19, 2022.

Born August 18, 1924 in Wilkes-Barre she was a daughter of the late Edwin and Regina Conway Fraley. She lived a full and active life until the time of her death: playing tennis into her late 80s, driving until age 92, and playing 14 holes of golf last summer at the age of 97.

A 1942 graduate of Saint Mary's High School, Nancy earned her BA in Music from Misericordia University in 1946. She was very appreciative of her education, remained active with the alumni association, and enjoyed attending events at Misericordia to help the institution grow.

An accomplished pianist, Nancy served more than twenty-five years as organist and choir director at the Church of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception. She later volunteered many years in the rectory and remained a faithful member of the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima through her lifetime.

Nancy married her high school sweetheart, George O'Donnell, in 1948. Together they set up their household and Dr. O'Donnell's pediatric practice. She enjoyed the activity of children and families coming to see Dr. O'Donnell. Her life took on new excitement with the arrival of the twins, George and Nancy, followed by Chris a few years later.

Nancy was competitive, which served her well in tennis, golf, Scrabble, bridge, and other card games that she enjoyed with friends and grandchildren through the years. An enthusiastic golfer, Nancy was the longest-standing member of Wyoming Valley Country Club, where she was a club champion and once made a hole-in-one on lucky number 13.

Nancy loved living in Wilkes-Barre, where she enjoyed dining out regularly and attending community events, including the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and the Fine Arts Fiesta. She loved showing visitors around her home, especially at Christmastime when she would guide a tour of her decorations and all the ornaments, each with a special meaning.

Her husband of sixty years, Dr. George J. O'Donnell, died on March 12, 2009. Siblings Jeanne Coyle and Richard Fraley also preceded her in death.

Nancy's children, George J. O'Donnell, Jr., DDS, Nancy Habbel and her husband Michael, and Christopher J. O'Donnell, Esq. and his wife Shivaun; grandchildren, Emily Bindelglass and her husband Michael, Michael Habbel, Katherine Habbel, DDS, Anne O'Donnell, and Evan Denion and his wife Chiaki; great-grandson, Akito; nieces, nephews, other family, and friends will miss her very much.

Nancy formed unique relationships with her caregivers and rummy partners, Laura, Mary Lou, and Patty, and her roommate, Donagh Cunningham.

Nancy's entire family is grateful for the compassionate care she received from the staff of Erwine Hospice Care.

Celebration of Nancy's Life begins Friday, March 4, 2022 with visitation from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. It continues there on Saturday, March 5, 2022 with gathering at 8:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM in the Church of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception.

Share memories and condolences with Nancy's family at www.mjmclaughlin.com