Helen M. McDonnell
September 25, 1938 – March 18, 2025
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth McDonnell; brothers: Bill, Jim, and Paul; companion, John Conley; granddaughter, Abigail Welna.
She is survived by her children: Cindi Welna, Vicki Welna Brungardt, Mike Welna, Mimi Maher (Matt); 7 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Rita Zadalis (Jim); many nieces and nephews.
Helen was the matriarch of her family. Devoted to them, she offered support, guidance, and comfort. She did not hesitate to tell you like it was. She showed us how to love, laugh, and have a good time. Helen especially enjoyed the holidays, socializing with family, and the camaraderie of friends.
Helen was a seamstress by trade and found immense joy in sewing. Her hands were never idle. If she wasn’t praying the rosary, she was sewing. She made clothes for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her daughters, growing up, had the best-dressed Barbie dolls, with outfits she created. Later in life, she began sewing baby blankets for The Bethlehem House and crocheting hats and scarves for homeless shelters. She will forever be missed, but her memory will fill our hearts with so much happiness.
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, March 22nd, 10am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with visitation at 9am.
Interment: Calvary
Memorials are suggested to the Bethlehem House or St. Jude Hospital.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
7 Comments
She was truly the most beautiful woman inside and out. Love you GG
Condolences to the family and especially to Mimi Maher, one of my great neighbors.
Condolences to the McDonnell family and to my special neighbor, Mimi Maher.
Dear sweet Helen, we missed months and months of not seeing you and laughing away the time as usual. Since we have been friends in childhood, at St Peter’s, through our days of raising children and then into our later years, waiting for Gods call, now the time is here. We will miss you but know the nights and days of your suffering are over. Our tears are for us that are left behind but I hope we can laugh and smile again, just knowing you have reached home safely and have Blessed Mother and her Son,along with your earthly family your mother and father by your side. Love and miss you already. Terri and Mike
She was so sweet! Truly a wonderful person. We will miss her!
God bless you Helen!
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Helen & I were good friends during our high school years. I think she is with God maybe even laughing with him over some funny wild times during high school.
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
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