Phyllis A. Donnelly

Phyllis Jeannette Acker Donnelly passed away at home September 20, 2020 after a short sudden illness a few weeks before her 98th birthday. She is the wife of the late Captain Elmer C. Donnelly, who received the Distinguished Service Medal for heroism during WWII serving with the US Merchant Marine. Alongside of being a wife, she was also the loving mother to three children. Phyllis J. Acker was born in Chicago on October 14, 1922 during the prohibition era. After graduating from high school, Phyllis left Chicago and became a resident of Washington, D.C. in 1941. She then began to work for the U.S Department of Agriculture. After the war ended, Phyllis met her beloved husband Elmer in 1951. At the time Elmer was pursuing a degree in Foreign Business Administration at Georgetown University. They married shortly there after. They temporarily left D.C. and she went to work for the IRS on the 19th floor of the Empire State Building. She then became a full time homemaker with the arrival of their first child. They returned to Washington in 1961, with their third child “on the way”. In 1970, the family moved to Italy, thanks to Elmer’s new job as a DOD civilian. It was a wonderful opportunity, and they took full advantage of it. Touring places such as Athens, Venice, Rome, Naples, and Sicily. Phyllis absorbed both ancient and modern European culture; including art, open air markets, local cuisine, and wines! After they spent five years in D.C. at the office, another five year rotation in Naples and Bremerhaven began in 1980. This go around there weren’t any kids, so they got to enjoy more touring, shopping, and wining and dining. Phyllis and Elmer were residents of the Greater Washington DC area on and off between Elmer’s foreign work assignments with the MSC. During these times Phyllis had acquired a clerical job at Bolling Air Force Base. They both retired in 1986 and made Tampa, Florida their winter home -- making it their permanent residence in 1992. After moving to Florida, Phyllis returned to her first love, art. As hard working as ever, she painted over 45 oil paintings between 1986 and 2019. She had lots of fun sewing a new Florida wardrobe for herself, as well as little outfits for her grandchildren. After losing Elmer in 2014, Phyllis moved to Vacaville, CA a year later to live with her daughter Nancy and her son-in-law Mark. This was just another adventure to add her many lifelong travels. In 2018 was delighted to welcome her first great grandson into the world. Phyllis was an avid Presbyterian Church goer and also sang in the choir in her younger days. She also enjoyed classical music, cooking, sewing, the fine arts and traveling. Phyllis is survived by her three children: David, Nancy (Mark), and Timothy (Tina); grandchildren: Dr. Steven Donnelly Lewis,(Mari Beth), Dr. Jessalyn Donnelly Hadfield (Calum Hadfield), Ryan Donnelly Lewis, Shannon Donnelly, Hugh Donnelly; and great grandson, Ethan Lewis. Being honest, exuberant, and with both wisdom and knowledge to share, she will be sorely missed by her family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the following places : - Salvation Army -The Humane Society USA -St. Labre Indian School To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Phyllis A. Donnelly please visit our Sympathy Store.