Obituary of Lynn A O'Donnell

Lynn Anne O’Donnell, age 61, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 2, 2021 after a year-long courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving husband, Jeff, and two adoring children, Allison and Jeffrey. Lynn was born in New Brunswick, NJ and grew up in Mendham with her parents, John and Margaret Jannucci and three siblings, Mark, Margie, and Lauren. She met her husband, Jeff, in 1986 while working at AT&T and knew after one date that he was the man she would marry. They spent 34 wonderful and devoted years together filled with love and many many laughs. Not only was Lynn an amazing wife, but she was also an incredible mother, a role she took much pride in. She strongly believed that, of all the things she did in life, nothing compared to being a mother. She dedicated her life to her family and to her children as a stay-at-home mom, and they truly were her proudest accomplishment. Her love for her children was evident in everything she did and she fought every day for the last year to stay alive to be with them. Throughout her life, she always did what she could to help others in need, even when she was facing her own struggles. As a woman of faith, Lynn was steadfast in her trust in God and often volunteered her time with St. James parish. They say the best moms get promoted to grandmas, and in Lynn’s case, this was an understatement. She cherished every moment as a “Gammy” to her three grandchildren and spoiled them beyond belief. In addition to being a wife, mom, and “Gammy,” Lynn was an unwavering friend, with many of her friendships lasting over a decade. Her friends provided her with a great deal of strength, especially during her final months of life. Lynn is survived by her husband, Jeff O’Donnell, her daughter, Allison Anderson (O’Donnell) and husband, Mike; and son, Jeffrey O’Donnell and husband Taylor Phillips. She is also survived by her mother and father, John and Margaret Jannucci; her brother Mark Jannucci (Mary Ann); her sister Margaret Jannucci; her three grandchildren, Josie, Michael and Patrick; and her ten 10 nieces and nephews, many of whom considered her to be a “second mother.” We will remember her with laughter, love, and a cosmo. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at St. James Church, 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 from 4:00-7:00pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021, 10:00am at St. James Church, 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge. Donations may be made in Lynn’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.