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Obituaries

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Patricia P. Donnelly, 75

Patricia Donnelly: moved with husband actor Donal Donnelly to Westport in 1979. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Patricia Porter Donnelly, formerly of Westport, died Jan. 31 in Chicago. She was 75. 

Born Feb. 26, 1937 in Yorkshire, England to Dorothy and Norman Porter, she studied dance in London. Her professional career included dancing in West End London productions of “The King and I,” “West Side Story,” “Robert and Elizabeth,” and “Finian’s Rainbow,”’ as well as being featured in the BBC TV series “Cool for Cats.” 

While dancing the part of Susan the Silent in “Finian’s Rainbow,” she met her husband, Irish actor Donal Donnelly.

In 1979, the couple moved with their three children, Maryanne, Damian, and Jonathan, to Westport. Many will remember her from her years at Derma Clinic in Westport where she went by the professional name of Mila Porter.

She gathered a devoted circle of friends and admirers through her exquisite sense of style, her generous warmth, and her quick, acerbic wit.  She leaves behind her two sons, Damian Donnelly, 43, of Tampa, Fla., and Jonathan Donnelly, 41, of Chicago.

A celebration of her life will be held Monday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport.

Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Patricia Donnelly to: Second City Canine Rescue. P. O. Box 107, Medinah, IL 60157.

Comments:     Comment Policy

Condolences to her sons, who she loved dearly.  She was a lovely, kind and wonderful woman. 
Marcy Steinbrecher Puklin

Dear Damian and Jonathan,

The entire Marcus family is saddened to hear of your mother’s unexpected death. We will always cherish the memories of the happy times our two families spent together…summer picnics…Christmas Days…when you and Ted were at Kings Highway School and your sister Maryanne was still with us.

Our hearts and thoughts are with you both,
With love,
Mark, Jan, Jen and Ted

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