Stephanie "Marie" O'Donnell

Our mother Stephanie Marie O’ Donnell (nee Holdofsky), 79; became an angel as she peacefully passed away on January 12 ^th , 2023, after a short battle with cancer in Florida with her loving family.

Marie was born to the late, Mary (nee Rutter) and Stephen Holdofsky, in Philadelphia Pennsylvania where she grew up with her siblings and graduated St Hubert’s Catholic High School for girls in 1962.

After graduating Marie became a hard-working entrepreneur in the restaurant and service industry supporting her four children. Marie loved the service industry and was loved and respected by everyone she met. This is where she met the true love of her life, her husband the late William (Bill) O’Donnell. Marie and Bill were happily wed January 13 ^th , 1990. Together, they shared many adventures until his death in 2015 including starting several businesses, taking trips with friends to casinos and enjoying life. They retired and moved to Millville New Jersey. Some of their favorite times were spent at Avalon Campground where they enjoyed many summers together.

In addition to her parents Mary and Stephen and her beloved husband Bill, she is predeceased by her siblings Stephen Holdofsky, and Margaret (Peggy) Holbrook and host of pets including her trusty sidekick Tammy the bird.

Marie is survived by her canine companion Sophie, her best friend/brother John Holdofsky of Littlerock, SC; four children Thomas Gleisner of NJ, John Gleisner (Tes) of Orange Park FL, Margaret (Peggy) Gleisner Green (Jeff) of Center Tuftonboro, NH and Dawn Donahue Sanger (Martin) of Springfield Township, NJ; her five stepchildren Bernard, William, John, Margaret and Kathy; sixteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.

Marie will be remembered for her warm smile, heartwarming beautiful laugh and sense of humor. She will be mostly remembered for her love of family, friends and animals. Marie will be missed greatly by all she touched.  Marie is a true animal lover and dedicated her life to making her dogs and birds happy, safe and loved.

Marie spent her final years in Florida with her son John, his wife Tes and their children.  She could often be found enjoying time riding around with her grandson Joseph and newfound friends keeping John on his toes.

Marie missed her beloved Bill immensely; we find comfort in knowing she is once again reunited with the love of her life and enjoying adventures on the other side of heaven. A celebration of life will be held May 13th in Marie’s honor on the beach  in New Jersey. In lieu of flowers we request donations to be made to Safe Animal Shelter in Middleburg, FL or a local pet rescue made in Marie’s name.