Barbara O'Donnell was born on April 23, 1951 to Sam and Rose Caldarea in Dearborn, Michigan. She passed away on March 10, 2024 in Warren, Michigan, surrounded by her loved ones. Barbara was a 1969 graduate of Edsel Ford High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Language Studies & Social Studies with a teaching certificate from the University of Michigan. She later went on to pursue her Masters Degree from the University of Michigan in September of 1992. Barbara went on to work as a substitute teacher for Dearborn Public Schools, at the Dearborn Public Library, and finally at Ford Motor Company before she retired in 1996 to pursue volunteer work and devote time to supporting her son. During her final years of life, she was a full-time caregiver to the love of her life and husband of 43 years, Kelly O’Donnell. Barbara was an avid reader, journaler, camper, and a very talented quilter. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, and crafting. She was also very heavily involved in the Romanian community. Barbara was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her husband, Charles “Kelly” O’Donnell; son, Keith (Aimee) O’Donnell; granddaughters, Olivia and Robyn; and sister, Joyce (Doug) Ballnik.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, April 19th from 5-9 pm at the Royal Oak Woman's Club.  This date holds tremendous significance to her husband, as this would have been their 44th wedding anniversary.