Marie was born in Sydney on March 11, 1931, to John and Mary Farrelly, on the fourth birthday of her only sibling, Betty Marrs (deceased).

After school, Marie worked as a dressmaker for Mark Foy’s, David Jones and Lady Ruth in Chandos Street – skills which would become a hobby, designing wedding, debutante and confirmation dresses and even school uniforms over the years for her children and grandchildren.

Marie met her husband Vincent O’Donnell (deceased) through friends from Gunnedah largely as a result of a shared love of dancing. Their marriage took place in 1954.

The couple built their home in Short Street, Gunnedah, in 1955 during the time of the great floods and since then have created many great family memories. 

They were always involved in St Joseph’s Parish and totally devoted to the happiness of their children and extended family.

In the early 1990s, Marie and Vince bought a retirement hobby farm on Booloocooroo Road, “Tyr Chonnial”.  Sadly, Vince quickly succumbed to an illness which took his life in 1992. 

Marie was always a volunteer for many charities and causes, especially St Vincent De Paul and the Sisters of Mercy and Associates. She also enjoyed many years of travel, exploring Australia and overseas with her sister Betty, family and friends. 

In 1999, Marie moved into her much-loved home in the Gunnedah Village in Callender Avenue.

She was fortunate to be surrounded by many who became very close friends. Her interests included her family, her garden, cooking, cards, friends and sewing. 

Marie’s great sense of humour, faith, generosity and ability to deliver one-liners with a cheeky twinkle in her eye won her many true friends. She was a dearly loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. 

Over the last three months of her illness, Marie was able to enjoy her time surrounded by much-loved family and friends, and her family came to realise just how loved their mother was.

Marie’s family want to thank all those who offered her support, friendship, care, faith and love during this time. 

Marie and Vince are survived by their six children and their families – Judith (Attunga) married to Bill Campbell, Hugh (Sydney) married to Joanne, Terry (Cooma), John (Dubbo), Paul (Gunnedah) married to Dominique, Catherine (QLD) married to David Hopgood. 

Grandchildren are Genene, William, Lucinda, Lachlan, Clarissa, Siobhan, Kathleen, Amelia, Thomas, Eliza, Olivia.  Great Grandchildren are Jasper, Julian, Joseph, Hugo, Eleanor and Audrey.

The mass service for Marie will be at the Convent of Mercy Chapel at 10am on Wednesday. 

All are welcome to say a special farewell to a special lady.