Archived Services

Margaret McDonnell
05-22-2008

Margaret McDonnell died Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls. She was born on February 18, 1923 at Sioux Falls, the oldest child of Tom and Emma Kirby. She married Gene McDonnell in May, 1947. Margaret and Gene resided in Sioux Falls throughout the 35 years of their marriage and, following his death in 1982, Margaret continued to reside in Sioux Falls for the rest of her life. Margaret graduated from Cathedral High School in 1940 and attended college at Rosary and the University of Iowa, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and graduated with a degree in journalism. She worked at a newspaper in Rock Island, Illinois following graduation and moved back to Sioux Falls following the War. She is survived by her children, Barbara McDonnell, of Denver, Colorado, Michael McDonnell, of Denver, Colorado, and Mary Ackslan van Vriesland, of Denver, Colorado; by three grandchildren, Kate McDonnell, Paul McDonnell, and Emily McDonnell; by her sister, Cecilia "Whiffer" Randall, and by a large and loving extended family throughout South Dakota and Colorado. Remembrances may be offered to Avera Prince of Peace. Visitation will be Friday, 5 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, 12 Noon at Christ the King Church with burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery.