Ella F. Donnelly, 89, died unexpectedly Dec. 21, 2019, at her home in Danielson, Conn.  

She was born Aug. 24, 1930, in Fall River, Mass., and was the daughter of the late Vernon and Frances (Merriman) Gray of Bristol, R.I.; granddaughter of Dr. Alfred and Frances Merriman; great-gran-daughter of Major Raymond and Frances Perry; and beloved wife of the late William F. Donnelly.

As a graduate of Bristol High School, she earned her nursing diploma from Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing, Fall River, Mass., and continued her education in physical therapy at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. She had a lifelong career as a physical therapist, including her work at Meeting Street School, where she met her husband William.

She was raised in Bristol, R.I. and lived in Riverside, R.I. for many years before moving to Danielson, Conn., in 2006. She worked with her husband William, of 52 years, who owned Donnelly Photography and Fast Foto, assisting him at many photography events.

She was an active member of the East Providence-Seekonk Rotary.  She was a passionate follower of her beloved Paw Sox, attending numerous games throughout the season. She loved seeing her extended family at the Bristol Fourth of July parade each year.

She is survived by three daughters, Patricia Reidy of Cotuit, Mass., and her husband David, Colleen Martino of Westerly, R.I., and her husband Robert, and Kathleen Heffernan of North Richland Hills, Texas, and her nephew, Gregory DeCosta of California; five grandchildren, Meghan, Shaelah, Patrick, Nicholas, Lauren; and two great-grandchildren, Henry and Eloise. She was the sister of the late Sally DeCosta.

Graveside service will be held at Juniper Hill on Aug. 15 at 11 a.m.