1939 - 2026
She is survived by her son, Robert (Bob) O'Donnell (Judy O'Donnell) of Otterberg, Germany, and her six grandchildren, Amanda Sears (Cameron Sears) of Uxbridge, Charles (Chuck) Matatall III (Leah Stanley ) of Bellingham, Ryan O'Donnell (Angie Ruddell) of Englewood, Colorado, Jessica Winters (Zachari Winters) of Fort Collins, Colorado, Ashley O'Donnell (Jason Struglinski) of Millis, and Holly O'Donnell (Josh Remillard) of Mellville. She also leaves behind her eight great-grandchildren Avery, Olivia, Charlie, Gianna, Eleanor, Emma, Lilly and Autumn, along with her nieces, nephews and many dear friends who cherished her deeply.
Gini was preceded in death by her late husband, Stephen McNicholas, best sister ever and best friend, Brenda Whelan, her son, Brian O'Donnell and daughter, Leeann O'Donnell.
Gini was born in Boston, December 21,1938, the daughter of John and Helen (O'Brien) Dale, and spent her early years there before moving to Norfolk. She later married Robert O'Donnell, Sr , who was in the Air Force, a role that led the family on memorable adventures, including living at Johnson AFB, Japan and Great Falls, Montana, before returning home and settling in Medway to raise their family.
An adventurer at heart, Gini loved to travel, especially to spend time with her family in Germany. She delighted in life’s everyday joys and routines—she never missed an episode of Jeopardy, loved spending time with "the girls" at the Medway Senior Center, painting, making crafts, and was always laughing, telling cute stories and jokes and imparting her "words of wisdom".
No one was a bigger sports fan than Gini. She adored her Patriots, Red Sox, and Bruins, and treasured watching games with family. One of her favorite memories was even cutting her vacation short to watch the Red Sox win the World Series in 2004 while in Germany.
Known affectionately as Gini, Nanny, GiGi, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and valued her friendships deeply—particularly her dear friends, Adell McWade and Carol Lee.
Gini also had a generous heart and loved helping others, including feeding the homeless in Boston, always offering compassion wherever it was needed.
The family wishes to send heartfelt thanks to the medical staff at Milford Regional Hospital and Salmon VNA and Hospice for their support and care.
In keeping with Gini's wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Medway Food Pantry, 600 Mahan Circle, Medway, MA 02053.
A celebration of Gini’s life will be held at Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 3 Barber Street, Medway on Friday February 20 from 4-6 p.m. In true Gini fashion, Gini asked for attendees to wear your favorite Boston sports attire.
