Frances J. McDonell

Frances J. (Pfaff) McDonell, 98, of Lower Macungie Township, passed away suddenly on April 19, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Allentown, PA. Fran was born in Milwaukee, WI and grew up in Chippewa County. She shared two months shy of 60 years married to her husband, James E. McDonell, until he passed on April 9, 2010. Fran and Jim lived in Chippewa Falls, WI for many years. Then beginning in 1967 they made a number of corporate moves. They spent time living in Arlington Heights, IL; Terre Haute, IN; Sandston, VA; Northfield, OH; Wetumpka, AL; Tustin, CA; and Austin, TX. Then in 2004, they settled in Macungie, PA. While raising eight children, Fran did a lot of cooking, gardening, sewing, and arts and crafts. She traveled with Jim on a number of business trips, and after retirement, they continued to travel. On one trip, they drove from the west coast to the east and back, golfing and visiting old friends and relatives along the way. Fran never let age affect her effort to learn things. When she was 35, she improved her swimming skills and sharpened her bowling game. Then at 50, she upped her game and learned to “really” golf. And how she loved to hit those long shots! Fran’s last golfing adventures were with a group of ladies from her condo community in Macungie at the age of 90. Through the years, Fran always loved to play cards and board games, and liked to scrapbook. She was a member of the Macungie Seniors Group, and of St. Ann’s Church in Emmaus. She also enjoyed making greeting cards and began going to Bingo each week. In fact, Fran played Bingo the week before she passed. Sadly, in the last year or so, dementia robbed her of interest in many things and most of her memories. However, her competitive spirit stayed with her until the end. The family would like to thank the kind and wonderful care provided by her caregivers over the last few years of her life. Also thank you to her nieces, who remained in close contact throughout the years, Rosemary Weygandt of Grapevine, TX, and Patty McDonell of Chippewa Falls, WI. Fran was pre-deceased by her brother, Joseph Pfaff of Cadott, WI; sisters, Mary Leith of Alpine, TX, and Loretta Hughes of Phoenix, AZ; and daughter, Jean Yochman of West Chester, OH. Survivors: She will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Winifred Shakal and husband, Glenn of Sparks, NV, and by her children: Julia McDonell and husband Philip Schommer of Macungie, PA; Janet McDonell of Chicago, IL; George McDonell and wife Sylvia of Mechanicsburg, PA; Joan Bradley and husband Michael of Mesa, AZ;, Jackie Lara and husband, Gerard of Corona, CA; Joy Laudenslager and husband, Stephen of Slatington, PA; Jill McDonell of Los Olivos, CA; and 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A private memorial is planned for a later date. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army of the Chippewa Valley, 2211 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Please note: “Direct Assistance” Arrangements were made by J.S. Burkholder and expressions of sympathy can be made through this website.