Shirley O'Donnell

Shirley O'Donnell (née Torkelson) of New Milford was 97 years old when she passed away peacefully Friday, January 26, 2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to Larry and Florence Torkelson along with sister Lorraine Ahearn (née Torkelson). Shirley was a huge Elvis and Brooklyn Dodgers fan and had an even greater affection for Coney Island where her neighbor and close family friend owned the iconic Wonder Wheel. It was in Brooklyn that Shirley met William O'Donnell at Potdevin Machine company where they both worked together for many years. The couple would marry and later settle in New Milford where she had lived since 1961. She was the longtime neighbor and friend to Lori and Jack Siccardi and Ellen and John Caronia, their children, and grandchildren, became not only her close longtime friends and neighbors but most importantly became her loving extended family where she was a great family friend for many generations.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband William in 1976. She is survived by her son Robert O'Donnell and his fiancee Maria Brock. She is the grandmother of Christy O'Donnell and her husband Brian Huyler. Shirley was blessed to experience being a great grandmother to Logan and Brooke where she acquired the name Gigi. She was also the aunt of James Ahearn and Lynn Langton (née Ahearn) and loved by their significant others Sue Ahearn , Al Langton, their children and grandchildren. Shirley O’Donnell was a great friend to many and cultivated joy and laughter wherever she went. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, January 30th from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Boulevard Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1151 River Road, New Milford, NJ. A graveside prayer service will be offered the following day at George Washington Memorial Park, please arrive at the administrative office of the cemetery at 10:45 for 11 am prayer. 

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