Susan Kennelly Donaldson

Susan Kennelly Donaldson, 71, of Charlotte, formerly of Ft. Myers, Florida passed away on September 24, 2015 after an extended illness. Born in Elmira, NY on July 30, 1944, Susan was the daughter of the late Mary Juanita Simpson and Jeremiah Thomas Kennelly. She spent her early childhood in Floral Park, NY and moved with her family to Charlotte in 1960, where she was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School (Charlotte Catholic). She studied for 2 years at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont and then graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Susan moved to Atlanta, where she had a successful career as a computer analyst with General Motors Corporation. In 1988, Susan married Jim Donaldson, a widower and they had 21 happy years of marriage, living both in Georgia and Florida. At their home in Ft. Myers, they enjoyed fun times with family and friends, and shared their mutual love of music, boating, and the outdoor life of Florida. Susan was also a dedicated volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Susan was an avid sports fan throughout her life, excelling in basketball in high school and playing tennis in later years. She had a wonderful ability to make friends, had a zest for life, and found happiness wherever she went. She will be remembered for being selfless, generous, and kind with a steadfast loyalty and love for her family. Inspired and sustained by her Catholic faith, Susan courageously met and dealt with many challenges in life. For years, she battled multiple sclerosis and cancer, but faced these illnesses with an indomitable spirit. The way she handled and accepted her physical handicaps and sickness in her last years was an inspiration to all those around her. The family would like to thank Drs. Lance Lassiter and Jay Hendler, the staffs at Matthews Novant Hospital and the Carriage Club, and Hospice of Charlotte for the care they gave Susan in her last months. She was preceded in death by her husband James Donaldson, stepson-in-law Paul Roberts, stepgrandson Michael Roberts and stepgrandson-in-law Michael Shackleford. She is survived by brothers Robert Kennelly (Lynn) and Kevin Kennelly (Aleanne); step daughters Sharon Roberts and Vicki Taylor; nephews Darren Kennelly (Michelle), Kevin Kennelly Jr. (Lee) and Brian Kennelly (Tina); step grandchildren David Roberts (Davina), Matthew Roberts (Heather), Robyn Donaldson and James Taylor; and seven great nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. The family will receive friends in the narthex after the funeral from 12:00-1:00pm. Memorials may be sent to St. Ann Catholic Church or Hospice of Charlotte. Hankins and Whittington is serving the family.