Linda Marie McClaren Donnelly, 69, of Hallettsville, passed away April 25, 2016. She was born October 8, 1946 to John Richard McClaren and Margaret Anne Traut McClaren in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her family moved several times as her father's career with the airlines progressed. They lived in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Illinois where she graduated from high school. She went to college in Iowa and returned to the Chicago, Illinois area to start her own career with the airlines.

While working there, she met and married Thomas Eugene Donnelly on December 6, 1975. They lived in the Chicago area until July, 1977 when they moved to El Dorado, KS where both of their children were born. In May, 1981, the family moved to Hallettsville, TX. Linda was a home manager until her children were both in school, and at that point she helped with Girl and Boy Scouts programs, substitute taught & helped at Sacred Heart School wherever it was necessary. She also worked at several places around Hallettsville and Lavaca County, including the Probation Department, Lutheran Church in Shiner, Exxon/Mobil plant, and Edward Jones Investment. She enjoyed reading, traveling with her husband, crocheting and painting for her own pleasure. She loved fixing holiday meals for her family, working in the yard and spending time at the coast as well as "decktime" in the evenings with her husband.

She was a Christian and believed in talking and walking with Christ, His Father, and the Holy Spirit several times a day; to reach out to those she met and knew who seemed to need that extra touch. Private prayer was an important part of her life.

She is survived by her husband; her children Timothy and wife Julie Hartmann Donnelly and Rebecca and husband Mike Erb; her in-laws Rita and Richard (Dick) Donnelly; and her sister Anne McClaren Dittman and husband, Ted.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial Service will be at 10 AM Thursday April 28, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with visitation starting at 8:30 AM before the Service.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Texas, Festival of Lights Pageant, or donor's choice.