Kathleen Donnell's Obituary
Kathy, 76, of Oakland California passed away after a brief Illness on January 16,
2026, She was born and spent her childhood in Southern California, mostly in the La
Canada suburb of Los Angeles, an area known for its excellent public schools.
Kathy was always active and outgoing. In high school, she participated and many
school activities, clubs and student government while maintaining straight A's. She
attended UC Santa Barbara for 2 years until she dropped out, moved to Mendocino
and began her "Hippy Phase."
After a 2-year hiatus from school, curiosity got the best of her and she returned to
UC Berkley and received her BA in Religious Studies in 1973. Five years later, in 1978,
she received her MBA from Golden Gate University in International and
Multinational Business. She was now a Bonafide Northern California girl.
Kathy started in the corporate world of Finance and soon tired of that and formed
her own bookkeeping company, The Donnell Company. She specialized in small
businesses and nonprofits, often performing these services pro bono, a
demonstration of her continued generosity and a champion of human equity.
She always had a diverse, spirited group of friends and particularly those at her
beloved Montclair Presbyterian Church.
Kathy is survived by her brother Mike Donnell and she is predeceased by her
parents, Sue and John Donnell and her recently deceased sister Sheila Donnell.
What’s your fondest memory of Kathleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kathleen?
Share a story where Kathleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathleen you’ll never forget.
How did Kathleen make you smile?