Published in the July 1, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Alberta P. (Demitroff) O’Donnell, 96, of Melrose, passed away June 19.
Alberta was born in Chicago on Aug. 22, 1919 to Boris and Nell (Ritchey) Demitroff. They later moved to Woburn and Alberta graduated from Woburn High, Class of 1939.
Alberta and her late husband George were high school sweethearts and were married on April 15, 1944. They settled down in Melrose and together raised six children.
Alberta taught Sunday School at the Methodist Church in Melrose. She also belonged to the Melrose Sewing Club.
Alberta and George loved spending time together; they played in couples bowling leagues and would always go dancing at the VFW at least once a month. They also went on the Bus Trips organized by Globe Travel, and enjoyed blueberry picking. Alberta and Chick truly loved spending time at the lakes of New Hampshire.
They first started by bringing their own children to Merrymeeting Lake and later began going to Newfound Lake, which they continued to visit for 45 years. It was a very special place the family always looked forward to visiting. Alberta and Chick made unforgettable memories there with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Alberta was the beloved wife of the late George L. O’Donnell. She was the caring sister of Helen B. Ritchey of Melrose. She was the loving mother of the late George L. O’Donnell and his wife Donna Ruth of New Hampshire, the late Paul W. O’Donnell and his wife Maryann of Arizona, John R. O’Donnell and his wife Patsy of Melrose, Helen M. Cargill and the late James of Malden, Dickie D. O’Donnell and his wife Linda of Melrose, Neil R. O’Donnell and the late Julie of New Hampshire and daughter-in-law Donna Paradiso of Melrose. She was the cherished grandmother of George, Michael, John-Michael, Scott, Richard, Paul Christian, Heather, James, Jennifer, Sharon, Shauna, Robert, Emily and Neil. She was loving great-grandmother of Joseph, Curtis, Alicia, Katherine, Daniel, Haley, Zachary, Sean, Skylar, Isabella, John-Michael, Ellie, Allie, Kristiana, Victoria, Joey and Catherine Alberta. She is proudly survived by one great-great-grandchild. Also survived by many nieces & nephews.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, June 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral service was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 24, at The First Church of the Nazarene, 529 Eastern Ave., Malden. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter, 101A First Ave., Waltham MA 02451. To leave an online condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
