DOVER - Madeleine C. "Patty" Donnelly peacefully passed away early Monday morning, May 2, 2011, after a lengthy illness with her husband and son by her side. Patty was born in a small coastal French Village in Southern France in April 1937. She and her family, as did the rest of the free French population, endured the Nazi occupation, until WWII ended in 1945. During her mid teens she was employed by a French Diplomat to the United Nations as Governess to his children and traveled to New York in the early 1950's. Upon returning to France in 1956 she met a young American Airman (George) in the American Embassy in Paris. Their relationship led to their marriage in early 1957 and resulted in the birth of their son Bruce in late 1957. After leaving Evreux AB France in 1960 she traveled with her family to El Centro Navel Air Station, CA for the next 4 years. In early 1964, Patty became a Naturalized American Citizen, an event she considered one of her greatest achievements. Transferred to Howard AFB in Panama in late 1964, she and the family enjoyed the many adventures of Central and South America. In 1967 the family was transferred to Dover AFB, DE, where they spent the next 6 years residing in base housing. In 1974 they purchased a property in the Moore's Lake area of Dover where they remain today. Patty enjoyed cooking and caring for her many pets including, Lady, Duffy, Anchor, Murphy, Ma Duce and Black Cat (BC). During her time in Dover she was employed as Credit Manager with Woolco Department Stores in the Blue Hen Mall, Kent Systems in Milford, and Berry Van Lines in Dover. She enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, George Donnelly of Dover; her son, Bruce Donnelly and his wife Dana of Seattle, Wash.; grandchildren, Christian and Joshua; and great-grandchildren, Chloe and Collin. Graveside services will be 12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Holy Cross Cemetery, Clara & N. New Street, Dover. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Letters of condolences may be sent, and guestbook signed, at www.torbertfuneral.com.