Elizabeth Ann O'Donnell

Monona – Elizabeth Ann “Betty Ann” O’Donnell (Kane), age 93, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Beehive Homes in Oregon, Wisconsin, surrounded by her family. Betty lived a life grounded in faith, family, and service to others. Her warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched many lives and created a home where everyone felt welcome.

Betty Ann was born on July 7, 1932, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to Cornelius and Pearl (Canty) Kane. She was the fourth of five children and grew up on the family farm in Seneca, where she developed a deep love for family and the outdoors. Betty adored her family and shared a special bond with her father, often tagging along as he worked around the farm. She even had a small stool so she could milk cows alongside him.

She also shared a lifelong closeness with her sisters Jeanne, Rita, and Mary Ellen, who were not only siblings but her best friends. Their relationships were marked by affection, laughter, and constant support through the many seasons of life. Holidays, family gatherings, and long conversations together remained a treasured part of their lives.

Betty liked to tell the story of how she finally obtained her driver’s license—only after the local postman spotted her driving the family car and reported it to her father, who then decided it was time to give her a proper driving test himself.

After graduating from Seneca High School in 1950, Betty attended the University of Wisconsin–Stout, where she earned a degree in Home Economics. She began her teaching career at Portage High School before returning to teach at Seneca High School.

In July 1955, Betty met the love of her life, John F. O’Donnell, at a wedding dance open to the public. John later said he first noticed Betty as she sashayed across the dance floor in a white dress with green polka dots, her sister Mary Ellen by her side. They were married on September 1, 1956, beginning a loving partnership that would span nearly 70 years.

After spending their early married years on the family farm in Seneca, Betty and John moved to Monona, where they built a home on Winnequah Park and raised their six children. They lived there for 50 years, surrounded by extended family and close friends. Betty created a home that was always open to others, and holidays were especially cherished occasions when family gathered together.

Betty also treasured the friendships she formed in the Monona and east Madison communities. For more than 50 years, she was part of a beloved card club whose members met regularly to play cards, share stories, and support one another through life’s ups and downs. She also enjoyed hosting an annual Fourth of July gathering, where family and friends would come together to celebrate the holiday and watch the fireworks.

Proud of her “100 percent Irish” heritage, Betty made St. Patrick’s Day a special family celebration. Green milk, green cream of wheat, and green mashed potatoes were staples of the day, while Irish music filled the house and everyone wore green.

A devout Catholic, Betty’s faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life. She was a lifelong member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Monona, where John continues to attend. Betty helped pioneer the parish respite program, spending many hours caring for those who were ill so that their caregivers could have a break. Much of this service, along with many prayers and laughs, was shared with her dear friend Betty Kruska. For many years, Betty and John also hosted weekly prayer nights to the Blessed Mother Mary in their home.

Betty was a talented seamstress and cook. She made many of her children’s clothes, often staying up late to finish special outfits for Christmas, Easter, and even prom dresses. Her sewing skills eventually led her to teach classes at Madison Area Technical College. In the kitchen she was known for her cinnamon rolls, tea rings, bars, and countless hot dishes. Weekend mornings often found Betty standing at the stove making pancakes until every child or grandchild had wandered into the kitchen and been fed.

While raising six children, Betty also worked as an accountant for the family business, Feed-O-Matic Co. Later she worked at the University of Wisconsin–Madison managing projects and doing bookkeeping for the College of Agriculture. During those years she often spent her lunch hour speed-walking around campus with her treasured friend Rita Scallon, inspiring the phrase: “If you want to walk with me, you’ve got to walk fast.”

Betty was a devoted spouse to John and cared for him with the energy and determination of a Home Ec teacher. In recent years, John returned that devotion as a loving and steadfast caregiver, allowing Betty to remain at home as long as possible during her journey with dementia.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sarah Lowery at Wildwood Clinic, Maxine from Comfort Keepers, the caregivers at Oak Park, and especially the staff at Agrace Hospice Care and Beehive Homes of Oregon, who cared for Betty so compassionately during the final months of her life and made it possible for her to be surrounded by family in her final days.

Betty was preceded in death by her grandsons, Jared Christopher Pesch and James Michael Bielmeier; her parents, Cornelius and Pearl Kane; and her siblings Neil (Mary Alice) Kane, Jeanne (Laverne) Stuckey, and Rita (Richard) Dieter.

She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, John O’Donnell; her children Terri (Jim Edwards) O’Donnell, Maureen (Rick) Pesch, Dennis (Lori) O’Donnell, Colleen (Mike) Bielmeier, Mary Pat (Eric) Fenton, and Peggy (Pete) Hampton; her grandchildren Katie and Sarah Pesch; Andrew, Betsy, and Hannah O’Donnell; Briana and Brandon Bielmeier; Kylar, Ashley, and Treyson Fenton; and Paige, Abby, and Spencer Hampton; and her great-grandchildren Louis, Noa, Morgan, August, Hudson, and Leo, with two more on the way. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ellen (Brian) Oetzel and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Memorial Service

The family requests attendees wear Irish green to the memorial service in honor of Betty. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30am on May 15 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Monona, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00am until the time of Mass. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul - Madison or to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Endowment Fund.