Terrilyn Kay (Williams) McDonnell, 64, daughter of Sharlene L. (Boernsen) Leith and Donald J. Leith, of Afton, Iowa, and the late J. Thomas Williams and Delores (Olson) (Peters) Williams, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, passed away, peacefully, on, Saturday, October 21, 2023, at her home, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Paul, and daughter, Elena, by her side.
A Celebration of Life Service, honoring Terri, will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at the Jerusalem United Methodist Church, REA Road, NE of Creston, Iowa. Rev. Jim Morris will officiate. The family will receive guests, at the church, following the service.
Terri met the love of her life and soulmate, Paul Francis McDonnell, of Cleveland, Ohio, in Omaha, Nebraska, at a party for a mutual friend. Terri and Paul were married on July 3, 1993, at Jerusalem United Methodist Church, rural Creston, Iowa. A daughter, Elena Johanna, the delight of their life, was born to Terri and Paul. The family lived in Cleveland, Ohio; Colonia, New Jersey;and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Terri was born on December 19, 1958, at Spencer, Iowa, and spent her childhood years growing up on the family farm west of Milford, Iowa. Terri began her school days at Milford and Creston, Iowa, graduating from Creston Community High School, with the class of 1977. She continued her education at Simpson College and Iowa State University, where she received her undergraduate degree in Social Work. She was awarded her master’s degree in Social Work, from the University of Iowa. Terri began work, as a Social Worker, at Mercy Medical Center, in Des Moines, specializing in pediatric trauma patients.
Terri started a successful health care recruiting agency, which she continued until her illness in July, 2021. She took great pride and enjoyment in helping others grow and achieve their professional goals.
It was a joy to be in Terri’s company. She was upbeat, fun, funny and organized. Terri especially enjoyed living near New York City. Her planned excursions, while visiting there, are a treasure to remember. Terri was a fabulous cook and hostess and she and Paul enjoyed entertaining guests in their home. Terri had a keen sense of entrepreneurship and a large sense of adventure. She enjoyed physical exercise and being active. Throughout her cancer journey, Terri’s strong determination and tenacity was inspirational, as she continued to walk daily, even while in hospice.
Terri was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She loved life and adored her husband, Paul, and daughter, Elena. Terri loved adventure and made it a point to teach Elena the thrill of being adventurous, as well.
Preceding Terri in death are her father, Tom Williams, and father-in-law, Pat McDonnell, grandparents and several dear aunts, uncles and cousins.
Left to mourn Terri’s loss are her husband, Paul McDonnell, and daughter, Elena, (husband, Jonah) Golomb. Parents, Shar and Don Leith, Afton, IA and Bobbi Williams, Milford, IA. Sister, Rebecca, (husband, Mike) Kuckta, Council Bluffs;brothers, Jeffrey (wife, Linda) Williams, Payette, ID and Gregory Williams, Milford, IA; sisters, Debra (Mike) Jacka, Middlebury, IN, and DeeDee Peters, Pipestone, MN and brothers Dennis Leith, Dean Leith (Patti Kralik), Creston, IA, and Dan Peters, Des Moines, IA, as well as Paul’s family, cousins, nieces and nephews and many dear and special friends.
Terri”s passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
