Lyndsay Carlene Donnelly

Lyndsay Carlene Donnelly (née Reeves), was born on November 19, 1956 in Lubbock Texas. She was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she would later meet her spouse of 35 years, Matthew George Donnelly, while he was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base. They met June 11, 1982, and were married in 1983. In keeping with her lifelong theme of being unique and special, they had two weddings; April 1, 1983 (civil ceremony) and again on July 30, 1983 (Catholic Church). Lyndsay had a zest for life most people only dream of. Lyndsay was enigmatic and magnetic; a very independent and strong woman. She was vibrant and radiant, and wore colors to match her warm personality and spirit. She lived life on her own terms and in her own unique way, never letting anyone dictate her choices – always staying true to herself. She taught her children to live fearlessly and to embrace their individuality and dreams. She brought joy and wisdom to everyone she met. Her beautiful smile would light up a room and leave an impression. People were drawn to her, and she had an uncommon ability to make each person who got to know her feel uniquely important and special. She always made time for others and was quick to lend a helping hand, constantly teaching those in her life to be joyful and grateful – to maintain an attitude of gratitude. She had a habit of leaving written affirmations throughout her house to see every day. She was a big proponent of standing up for what is right and standing up for others, even if it meant standing alone. Lyndsay was an avid reader and would always want to learn new skills. She was talented in everything she did and tried. She loved to cook from scratch, and enjoyed cooking for others and sharing her recipes with others. She knew how to sew so well that she sewed her wedding gown, the bridesmaids’ dresses, all of the children’s Halloween costumes throughout their childhood, dance costumes from high school, and she would hem the occasional skirt or pants for her children once they were grown and in the professional world. When she worked, she would always be one of the best employees at that company, and she would whip others quickly into shape, teaching them the “Lyndsay Donnelly way” of being thorough and organized. Lyndsay enjoyed spending time with friends and loved meeting new people. She loved to “hang out,” as she would call it, and she preferred spontaneity. She absolutely loved living in Phoenix, Arizona since her arrival in 2009, and she was the happiest she had ever been. During her last few years, she would travel with her husband and enjoyed vacationing. She also loved going to church and spending time with her prayer group. During a planned vacation, Lyndsay Donnelly passed away on May 20, 2018 in Harlingen, Texas after a month-long stay in the hospital there. The world is less bright without her exuberance and she will be missed. She is survived by her spouse, Matthew George Donnelly, and her four children: Rhiannon C. Gardier (Bernard), Francis M. Donnelly (Karissa), Octavia L. Martinez (Antonio), and Trevor R. Donnelly (Vanessa). She is also survived by her mother, Betty M. McKinney (née Washington). Additionally, she is survived by her five grandchildren: Giancarleau, Cleopatra, Mariana, MaKahlyn, and Ezra. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Everett Reeves, and her two sisters, Donna (called Elaine) and Veronica.