William Edward Patrick McDonnell

McDonnell, William E., 73, August 12, 2009.
    MAINE & FLORIDA – William Edward Patrick McDonnell went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 12, 2009, while under the care of his wife and Palm Beach County Hospice in Delray Beach, Florida. Bill was born in 1936, to Edward and Mary Lucretia McDonnell in Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up with his sister, Donna.  
    Following his undergraduate study at Houghton College, Bill pursued his graduate work at George Washington University and the University of Maine.  He began his career in education teaching five grades in a one room school house in New Limerick, Maine. Bill’s passion for education took him from teaching to administration in SAD 29.
    Bill attended Military Street Baptist Church where he served as President, Deacon and Sunday school teacher.  He was also a dedicated member of the Houlton Rotary Club. Bill spent his retirement in southern Maine and Florida with family.  Throughout his life, Bill demonstrated a love for his Savior, family, the great state of Maine and the New York Yankees.
    Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Margarete McDonnell; son, Richard and his wife, Laurie Jo McDonnell;  daughter, Liesl and her husband,  Robert Lilly; grandchildren, Seth, Nate and Sophia McDonnell, Annabelle, Madison, Jarrod, and Gavin Lilly; and sibling, Donna Bachman.
    A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 5th at 10 a.m. at Military Street Baptist Church. Donations can be made to the Houlton Performing Arts Center.