McDONNELL, Dorothy M. (nee Houghton) of Blue Bell formerly of Abington, passed away peacefully March 13, 2024, surrounded by her family, at the age of 81. She was the beloved wife of Thomas P. McDonnell and loving mother of Karen McDonnell (John Ryan) and Thomas P., Jr. (Sheri). Devoted grandmother to John P. Ryan, Thomas McDonnell, III, Samantha McDonnell and Megan McDonnell. Loving brother of Robert G. Houghton (Arlene) and aunt to 18 beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest Goddard Houghton and Dorothea Marie (nee Delaney).

Dorothy was known to all as Micki, a nickname unrelated to her married name McDonnell, but rather given to her by her maternal grandfather upon her birth, which was shortly after the birth of her cousin Patricia. Micki grew up in Philadelphia, as the daughter of a firefighter. She attended Cardinal Dougherty High School, where she was a proud member of the Drill Team, expertly tossing batons at football games and marching in red-tasseled boots in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Most importantly, Cardinal Dougherty is where she met the love of her life and devoted husband of 57 years, Tom. After high school, she graduated from the lab tech program at Misericordia Hospital.

Micki was the proud mother of two children, Karen and Tom Jr. She was a tireless supporter of all her children's interests and activities. She volunteered at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School as a teacher's aide, grading papers and teaching break out reading groups. She was a successful fundraiser, organizing Christmas bazaars and White Elephants; she was a talented director of numerous school and parish plays. She continued with her support of her children's high schools St. Joseph's Preparatory School, organizing the Mother/Son Communion Breakfast, and Mount St. Joseph Academy. Micki was a vociferous fan of her son Tom's basketball teams, attending literally thousands of basketball games at OLHC, the Prep, summer games in Oreland and at Muhlenberg!

In the early 1980s, Micki was enticed to rejoin the work force as a phlebotomist for DeKalb Laboratories. One of her biggest impacts was felt as a visiting phlebotomist at JFK Mental Health and Rehab Center on North Broad Street, where she took personal interest in the patients, organizing turkey and pumpkin pie drives to ensure the residents had a fun Thanksgiving, and comforting so many who were afraid of having their blood drawn.

Her natural friendliness and genuine interest in people were perhaps best utilized professionally when she joined the sales and marketing team at Quest Laboratories. Her clients loved her; not only was she a tireless advocate on their behalf, but she was also a consummate hostess of exceptional deli-catered breakfasts and lunches in medical offices around the region. She was very proud to have received the President's Award, the highest award for sales & marketing in the company, recognizing her exceptional work with her accounts. She had a natural talent for storytelling, which she used so effectively to connect so closely with clients (as well as to entertain dinner guests and to lull her grandchildren, nieces and nephews to sleep).

She lived for nearly 50 years in Abington, PA, moving to Whitpain Farm in Blue Bell, PA in 2021. She loved her summers down the shore at the family home in Ocean City, NJ and spent time each winter with her great aunt Edith in Sarasota, FL. In both places, she made very close friends who became family.

As so many know, she loved meals with family and friends and was an amazing cook. She was particularly known for her delicious meatballs, decadent mashed potatoes, and fantastic desserts. She looked for any opportunity to celebrate and was often the last to leave a party! She had a remarkable talent with children, spending many hours doing things they loved like feeding McDonald's fries to the seagulls, shopping at the "doll store" on Asbury Avenue and more recently online shopping at Lululemon, learning the latest trends in teen fashion. Animals, especially dogs, loved her, perhaps encouraged by the treats she kept close at hand and offered generously.

And finally, sincere appreciation and gratitude is extended to all of the healthcare workers who assisted us throughout Micki's illness, in particular at Abington Hospital and in the University of Pennsylvania Health Care System.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass Tuesday, March 19 at 10:30 am at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 1500 Marian Rd., Abington where the family will receive guests from 9:00 am until Mass time. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in her memory to: Marine Mammal Stranding Center P.O. Box 773, 3625 Atlantic-Brigantine Blvd. Brigantine, New Jersey 08203, recognizing her love for whales and dolphins, the focus of many beloved bed time stories.