Mary Ellyn "Norrie" O'Donnell, a dedicated educator and devoted grandmother who spent 42 years shaping young minds in the classroom, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, at age 89.

Born December 17, 1936, to Evelyn and Neal Norrie, Mary graduated from Western Michigan University and built a career defined by passion and purpose. She taught fourth grade and reading for 42 years, serving students in Garden City schools and later at Fairlane Christian School. Her impact extended far beyond the classroom through her role as the "Button-lady," where she created buttons bearing encouraging messages and distributed them to inspire others and spread positivity in her community.

Mary married Frank O'Donnell in 1959, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. She was a woman of deep Christian conviction who loved her family, treasured her friendships, and demonstrated her faith daily through acts of kindness.

Mary is survived by her daughter Colleen Ball (and son-in-law John Ball); daughter-in-law Nancy O'Donnell; grandchildren Jacob Ball (and wife Lindsey), Thomas Ball (and wife Hannah), Karis Bowling (and wife Julie), and Jessica O'Donnell; and great-grandchildren Collyns and Kylee Ball of Lexington, Kennedy and Cooper Ball of Richmond, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank, her sister Patricia Walker (and brother-in-law James), and her son Kelly.

Mary spent most of her life in the Dearborn area and her final years at Waltz Manor in New Boston.

Visitation, Tuesday, 10am until the 1pm Funeral Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son, Inc., 1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill). A luncheon at DeLuca's Restaurant will take place immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Samaritan's Purse.