Judi L. O'Donnell

Judith Lynn O’Donnell passed away on December 15, 2025. She was born on November 17, 1947, in El Paso, Texas, to Dale and Wava Bruckner.

Due to her father’s career, Judi's childhood was marked by frequent moves, giving her a broad perspective on life from an early age. She lived in Overland Park, Kansas, during her elementary years before moving to the suburbs of Chicago in sixth grade. During her early high school years, the family returned to the Kansas City area, where Judi attended North Kansas City High School. She later moved to La Habra, California, where she graduated from high school. Shortly thereafter, she returned to the Kansas City area, where she built a successful career with the City of Kansas City. Through dedication and perseverance, she worked in various roles and ultimately retired from Kansas City International Airport, where she managed property leases. Throughout her career, education remained important and a proud accomplishment for her was earning her MBA degree.

Judi had many passions beyond school and work. It was while participating in community theater that she met the love of her life, George O’Donnell and they married in 1995. She was deeply devoted to her church and found great purpose in teaching a weekly group called Walking by Faith. Above all, Judi cherished time spent with her grandchildren. She delighted in attending their activities and events and especially enjoyed taking mini vacations with them to Branson. She also loved her garden and would spend hours out in the yard.

Judi is preceded in death by her parents. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, George O'Donnell; children, Tonya Cogan (Josh Yates) and Shane McCormick (Nancy Fung); step children, Laurie McCoy (Edward) and David Brent O'Donnell (Angie); grandchildren, Casey, Brady, Grace, Brooke, Rosemary, Brianna, Austin, Dylan, Sophia, Cash, and Olivia; great grandchildren, Madeline and Cecil; brothers, Steve, Stewart, and Scott Bruckner; and lifelong friends, Sharon (Stewart) and Teresa (Scott) and many extended family and friends.

Judi will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Terrace Park Cemetery, Later, a Celebration of Life will be held at Hope KC on January 2nd, with a visitation at 2:00pm, followed by the memorial service at 3:00pm.