Ione Esther McDonell, age 97 of Hudson, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 29 with her family by her side, at Red Cedar Canyon.  Ione was born March 11, 1921 in Chippewa Falls, WI to Henry and Eda (Larson) Willi. On November 30, 1942, Ione was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart Patrick McDonell in South Mills, NC. The couple were blessed with four children. In 1950, they moved to the Hudson area. 

Ione loved spending time with family and friends. She was fond of baking and her cookies, cakes and pies were present at every family gathering. Ione enjoyed quilting, going on walks, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings as a season ticket holder. She was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church, assisted with the Ladies Guild, participated in bible studies, and volunteered at the Christian Community Home.

Ione is survived by her children, Nancy (Ken) Hasledalen of Hudson, Susan (Wayne) Skogen of Gilbert AZ, Michael (Becky) McDonell of Hudson, and Thomas McDonell of Silver Lake, MN; 11 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother, Bernard “Buni” Willi; sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Patrick; great granddaughter, Madyson Schmidt; her parents; six brothers and two sisters.

Mass of Christian Burial for Ione will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 2nd at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson. Visitation 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday August 1st at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, as well as one hour prior to the mass at church on Thursday. Interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Memorials are preferred.