In Loving Memory of

Rosemary Gertrude O'Donnell

1929 - 2025

Rosemary Gertrude O'Donnell née Hildebrand , "affectionately known as Mrs. O", passed peacefully at home on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, at the age of 96 after receiving many family visitors. She was born in Marfa, Texas to Norville "Tex" Grant Hildebrand and Theresa Virginia Hildebrand née Hepburn on February 27th, 1929. Shortly after this "yellow rose" relocated with her family to Baltimore, Maryland where she attended The Catholic High School of Baltimore. She was known as "Proxie" during her youth due to her blonde locks. As a young woman she enjoyed acting in plays, roller skating, and being a member of the chemistry club. Later she would recall these days as some of the fondest times in her life.

After graduation, she prioritized herself at a time when it was less common for women to do so. She worked as a proofreader for medical journals and texts due to her proficiency in Latin. Later, inspired by the Second World War and a desire to ameliorate suffering in this world, she trained as a nurse at Saint Jospeh's Nursing School. She worked at the naval hospital in Groton, Connecticut, mostly in the internal medicine clinic. In her personal time, Rosemary enjoyed bird watching and was particularly fond of the cardinals and robins that would visit her home in Uncasville, Connecticut. She was an avid reader of mysteries and enjoyed watching classic television.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her younger sister, Emma Vogle as well as her husband of 57 years, Horace "Harry" Paul O'Donnell. The pair met at a dance and were wedded in a simple ceremony on Thanksgiving Day in 1954 in honor of her beloved Auntie Peg and Uncle Jim who were also married on this day.

She leaves behind three daughters, Janet (David) Duffie, Carolyn O'Donnell and Mary Salustri, as well as a grandson, who she loved like a son, Daniel (Shanna) O'Donnell.  She was a devoted grammie to Traci Brown, Heather (Rob) Brown, Emily Lindt, Vanessa Duffie, Rebecca (Kevin) Salustri, Adrian (Niki) Salustri and Jay Duffie. Shortly before her passing she welcomed her first great-grandson, David Salustri who brought her joy during her final days. She is also survived by her cherished colleagues, Dr. Marc Fischer-Keller and Dr. Raymond Johnson, as well as her long-time friend Mrs. Janet Baker. She was generous and warm to all she encountered.

There will be a celebration of life at Garrett County Memorial Gardens, 881 Memorial Drive, Oakland, Maryland, on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:00 am, with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org).

Please RSVP by November 14, 2025, to granddaughter, Vanessa Duffie- Call or text 413-320-7353.