Obituary of Rita A. McDonnell

Rita A. McDonnell  

Rita A. ( Stavenski ) McDonnell, RN, 90, of Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully Friday, December 30, 2022, at her daughter Karen's home in Plymouth Meeting, Pa surrounded by her loving family.   She has lived in Bonita Springs for the last 25 years, formerly of Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

She was born in Ashland, Pa on January 21, 1932, the daughter of the late Anthony and the late Anna (Sebes) Stavenski.

She graduated from Mt. Carmel Catholic High School in 1949.  She received her RN from St. Agnes School of Nursing in Philadelphia, Pa.

Rita retired early from Psyciatric Nursing from Norristown State Hospital to care for her grandchildren whom she adored with all of her heart.  She was known as "Nanny's Academy".  She made everyday a happy day for all no matter bad weather, news, or ups and downs.  Just call her she would talk you through it or jump and run to the rescue.

Rita's strong religious faith got her through good times and bad times.  She was the ultimate fighter for first her family and then herself.

She will forever be remembered by both friends and family as "St. Rita" but besides that the most devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend anyone could be blessed with.

She was the wife of John "Jack" McDonnell.

She is survived by her husband and best friend of 67 years Jack McDonnell of Bonita Springs, Fl, Son John (& Anne) McDonnell of Conshohocken, Pa, Daughter Judy (& Tony Cox) Olcese of Plymouth Meeting, Pa, Daughter Karen (& Greg Kulak) McDonnell of Plymouth Meeting, Pa, Brother Tony Stavenski of Phoenixville, Pa her grandchildren Jason Olcese, Jessica McGuckin, Joseph Olcese, Kalyn Murphy, Kevin Kulak, John McDonnell, III and Ryan McDonnell, Also survived by 8 Great Grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by a sister Ann Sakowski.

Her Memorial Mass will be held Friday, January 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM from Epiphany Of Our Lord RC Church, 3050 Walton Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA.  Msgr. Joseph Gentili and Fr. Brian Connelly officiating.

Friends may call on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at the church.

Interment will be private. 

Memorial Contributions may be made in her memory to: Vanguard School, 1777 North Valley Road, Malvern, PA 19355.

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 19 East Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA, (610) 277-1600.
www.msrfh.com.