Christine Francis O'Donnell

Christine Francis O’Donnell, aged 93, passed away Friday, May 8, 2026. She was born January 22, 1933, in George West, TX, the daughter of the late Walter and Suzanna (Brysch) Ledwig.

Christine spent many years working as an executive secretary at the National Cash Register (NCR) in Dayton, OH. Christine was a pillar in her local parish, Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. For decades, she contributed her time and labor to Saint Francis Food Pantry, Mary Help’s annual Festival, where she could be spotted with her beautiful smile while working the pie to which she contributed her oh so delicious famous blueberry pies and countless other activities and efforts. She set an example for her family and her fellow parishioners by giving selflessly and loving indiscriminately.

Her days were often filled with activities that brought her joy and kept her vibrant. Christine was an avid walker, enjoying the simple pleasure of a good stroll, and participated actively in her church community. She was a proud member of the Daughters of Isabella, a group that further enriched her spiritual and social life. Family time was sacred to Christine, especially playing board games. Scrabble and crossword puzzles were her favorites, offering a fun way to connect with loved ones, spark friendly competition, and keeping her sharp mind engaged. Christine could also be spotted every year with her beautiful smile while working the Mary Help festival pie booth with a few of her famous and oh so delicious blueberry pies.

Christine was a woman of deep faith and warmth, whose legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She is remembered not only for her steadfast devotion to her church and family but also for the kindness and energy she brought into every room.

Holiday gatherings with family were among her most treasured memories, often centered around cooking and sharing meals that brought everyone closer. These moments reflected Christine’s warm spirit and her love for making others feel welcome and cherished. Christine is fondly remembered by all of her nieces and nephews for her loveable laugh and radiant smile.

In addition to her parents, Christine is preceded in death by her husband of more than 40 years, John J. O’Donnell; son, Michael O’Donnell; siblings, Catherine, Charles, Wilfred, brother-in-law, Bill Menosky, and sister-in-law Patricia O’Donnell. She is survived by her only daughter, Kathleen (Jeff) Holmes; one grandson, Johnathan (Jessi) Marcelli; one great-granddaughter, Juliet Christine Marcelli; siblings, Edmund (Marianne), sister-in-law, Carolyn Menosky; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Mary, Help of Christians Parish, 954 N. Maple Avenue, Fairborn, OH 45324. Inurnment to follow at Byron Cemetery, Fairborn, OH. Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn, OH.