Celebrating the 90th birthday
of a remarkable woman
 ROSE MCDONNELL (front and centre) celebrating her 90th birthday at the Edmonton Irish Club, surrounded by her three sons Patrick, Martin and James, and daughter Bernadette. Club president Martin Doyle is show above at the back on the right.
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EDMONTON – Rose (Brady) McDonnell was born on November 28, 1919. One of eight children she grew up on a small farm outside Milltown, Co. Cavan, Ireland.
She left Ireland at age 13 to work in Manchester, England and it was there she met her husband Martin McDonnell. They married in 1940 and lived in Birmingham with their six children until 1957 when they left for a new life in Canada.
Life in Canada had its challenges: Her eldest son Anthony was killed in a car accident in 1962, her husband Martin died in an industrial accident in 1971, and another son Michael died from cancer in 1988.
In spite of those challenges Rose has always seen the glass half full. Anyone who has known Rose over the years will talk about her friendly and warm personality.
Her kindness and genuine interest in the welfare of others, and her ability to bring a smile to everyone’s face, has made her a special person in the hearts of many.
November 28 was no exception when Rose celebrated her 90th birthday at the Edmonton Irish Club with her daughter Bernadette and three sons: Patrick, Martin and James, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The informal affair brought out many friends who shared her love of life (and any excuse for a party) and showcased the best of the Irish culture: great food, song, drink, and friends.
Rose continues to be an inspiration for all the blessings we receive in life: her optimism towards life, her positive spirit of living life to the fullest, and giving of herself to others is the embodiment of our rich Irish heritage.
Rose and family would like to thank all those who were able to join them. Your love and laughter made for a special night they can all remember as “one of the best.”
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