Theresa Ann McDonnell
Theresa A. McDonnell (nee Frizzie) passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco on October 24, 2017. A loving wife to her husband of 68 years, William E. (Bill) McDonnell, and cherished mother to her seven children, Theresa will be remembered for the time, care and dedication she poured into every moment that led to a life well-lived.
Theresa was a lifelong Californian, born to Camille and Hazel Frizzie (nee Young) on February 24, 1928, in Susanville. She was the youngest of four children, including the late Garland Frizzie and Frances Flaherty (nee Frizzie), and Sister Mary Marcelle (Frizzie), CSC, and spent her childhood at a lumber mill owned and operated by her parents in Crescent Mills, Plumas County. She attended Holy Rosary Academy in Woodland and graduated from Star of the Sea High School in San Francisco. She completed her education at Lone Mountain College in San Francisco.
Theresa met the love of her life in high school, and she and Bill were married on September 18, 1948, at St. Agnes Church in San Francisco. Until Bill’s passing earlier this year, the couple shared the responsibility of nurturing a thriving family for nearly 70 years. Theresa was devoted to her family, managing every facet of home life and giving freely of herself to the happiness and betterment of those she loved. Whether it was preparing a gourmet meal or serving as chauffeur to her seven active children, Theresa believed success began at home. She was the foundation that enabled Bill to live a life of service – first in the military, then as an entrepreneur, and later as a civic leader and philanthropist.
Theresa and Bill traveled extensively, developing new friendships and experiencing other cultures. Their appreciation for the people around them inspired their entire family to embrace the quiet moments. They savored memorable vacations in Aptos and Napa (Silverado) and sparked a zest for life among their children and grandchildren that will carry long into the future.
Theresa is lovingly remembered by her children: Suzanne (Lou), Bill, Jr. (Susan), Tim (Lori), Debbie (John), Ginny (Mike), Beth (Perry), and Tom. She will always be treasured by her beloved grandchildren: Bryan, Daniel, and Denise Giraudo; Madeline and Megan McDonnell; Michael, Michelle, and Paul McDonnell; Timothy, Caitlin, and Evan Brown; Therese, Michael, and Caroline Martin; and Lauren and Rachel McDonnell.
The family wishes to thank the many compassionate individuals who cared for Theresa prior to her passing.
A celebration of Theresa’s life will be held on November 17 at 10:30 a.m. with a Catholic Mass at St. Agnes Church, 1025 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94117. Parking available at 1639 Oak Street. The Committal will be held privately at Golden Gate National Cemetery at the family’s request. Donations in Theresa’s memory may be made to Ministry with the Poor Fund, Sisters of the Holy Cross, 100 Lourdes Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, or St. Ignatius College Preparatory, 2001 37th Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94116 – although any gift to a charitable organization in Theresa’s name will honor the family as they celebrate her life.