Gretchen Ann O'Donnell

Gretchen was born June 23, 1933 to Frank and Estelle Flood. She was one of their seven children and grew up in Farmington, Michigan. She graduated from St. Mary of Redford High School and attended University of Detroit College where she obtained a degree in Education. Gretchen met her husband Michael James O’Donnell in a post-graduate class there, and they shared 67 mostly wonderful, sometimes chaotic, years together.

While raising five children (each born a year apart, hence the chaos), Gretchen also worked part time as a second grade teacher, a substitute teacher, and a medical receptionist. In later years, she lived for 12 months in a remote village in China with her husband where they taught English as a second language to Chinese medical students. Gretchen was an excellent writer and captured their experiences on this adventure in a work she titled “We Dug This Hole Too Deep.”

In addition, Gretchen was a poet who wrote verses throughout her life, many of which were gathered and arranged for print with the title "The Bravest of These is Hope." She knew what she was talking about, as Gretchen faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease in the last dozen or so years of her life with indominatable hope and courage. Her network of friends and providers in the Oakland County Parkinson’s community provided her with welcome support and coping skills, including dance and boxing classes which she very much enjoyed.

Gretchen was a bad driver and a so-so cook. She was quick to point out to her children (but never to others) their grammatical and etiquette failings. But she excelled in her long-term role of mother, and so these quirks were well-intentioned and dear.

Gretchen is survived by her husband Michael, her five children, Margaret “Peggy” ODonnell, Mary ODonnell-Meldrum, Michael ODonnell, Jr., Daniel “Jerry” ODonnell, and Martha Webb, along with ten adored grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a large smattering of beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at St. Mary’s of the Hills, 2675 John R Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. Gretchen left instructions to encourage the wearing of bright colors because she “had a good life.” The service will be followed by a luncheon in the church community hall. The family kindly requests that you RSVP (via text or voice message) to 313-454-1976 if you plan to stay for lunch following the service.

Memorials in honor of Gretchen’s life may be made to: Michigan Parkinson Foundation

Michigan Parkinson Foundation

30400 Telegraph Rd Suite 150

Bingham Farms, MI 48025

Toll Free: (800) 852-9781