Noraheen "Julie" O'Donnell (O'Brien)

September 12, 1943 — October 17, 2021

NORTH BENNINGTON-

Noraheen "Julie" O'Donnell, 78, a longtime resident of North Bennington, passed away peacefully with family by her side, at her residence on October 17th, 2021. She was born in Bennington, on September 12th, 1943 to Margaret (Moriarty) and Michael K. O'Brien, who originally came from Ireland.

Julie attended local schools while growing up in North Bennington, graduating in the 1962 class from Bennington Catholic High School. Over time, she continued to take classes at Southern Vermont College.

On February 12th, 1969, she married John O'Donnell, Jr. Together they had one son, John O'Donnell III.

She spent many years working in the admissions department of Bennington College, before moving on to do administrative work for the State of Vermont. After retiring, Julie and John moved to Colchester, where they spent a few years, before finally moving down to Zellwood, Florida. After John's passing in 2015, Julie returned home to North Bennington.

Julie enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a sports fan, avid reader and always one to support the underdog during March Madness, Julie used to enjoy watching Notre Dame games with her husband before his passing. She found great pleasure in Irish festivals in the Catskills and figuring out how to play music on the piano and the harmonica, all without proper lessons. When John was younger, he has fond memories of her attending his baseball and football games and going fishing with him. Julie loved cooking incredible meals for John and his father during his childhood. Julie loved film photography and being able to create memories that could be shared by family years later.

Julie is survived by her son, John O'Donnell, and his wife Veronica, and her two grandchildren; Kullen and Magdelana, all of North Bennington. She is also survived by her step daughter, Mary O'Donnell Midurski, of Eagle Bridge, NY. Julie is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Margret and Michael, her husband John, her siblings; Michael "Kevin" O'Brien, Diermiud O'Brien, Margret "Maggie" O'Brien and Maureen Gorman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to two great friends; Mary Jean and Sandy, and also the hospice staff that helped Julie, specifically- Maria and Julie, as well as the rest of the team from BAYADA and to Linda, Nancy, Judy and Veronica, who helped Julie as private duty companions. John would also like to thank his cousin, Bridget (Gorman) Andrews, for her love and support in taking care of Aunt Julie.

At the request of Julie's wishes, there will be no formal services held. There will be a private "Celebration of Life" at the families convenience.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations in Julie's memory be sent to BAYADA Hospice through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201.

As Julie always said, I will love you to the moon and back.

The family would like to leave you with an Irish Blessing: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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Noraheen "Julie" O'Donnell (O'Brien)

September 12, 1943 — October 17, 2021

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