Joyce Donnelly

ROCHDALE - Joyce E. (Madison) Donnelly, 74, of Virginia Dr., died Saturday, July 18, 2009, at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, William C. Donnelly Sr. of Rochdale; three children, Karen J. Cox and her husband Richard of Florida, David A. Donnelly and his wife Mary of Oxford, and Kevin D. Donnelly and his wife Jill of Charlton; six grandchildren, Derek M. Cox, Mason D. Cox, Ryan A. Donnelly, Shannon E. Lyons, Devin J. Donnelly, and Danielle B. Donnelly; a great grandson, Lucas Lyons; and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by a son, William C. Donnelly, Jr. of Oxford, who died in 2006; and a sister, Carole A. Gibree of Worcester who died in 2000. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Bertil B. and Hilda E. (Ekross) Madison, and graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester in 1952. Mrs. Donnelly retired as a medical secretary at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where she worked for 15 years. She enjoyed gardening and will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. At the family's request, a funeral and burial will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, is directing the arrangements.