Anne McDonnell's Obituary
The Honorable Anne McDonnell passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on July 14, 2026. Anne was the third of thirteen children born to her parents, William J. and Mary T. McDonnell, of Maple Shade, NJ. A graduate of Merchantville High School, Anne earned a BA degree from Rutgers University and went on to graduate from Rutgers School of Law. She began her career as an attorney in Woodbury, NJ, and was appointed to the Superior Court Vicinage 15 by Governor James Florio in 1991. Anne retired from the bench in 2020 but continued on judicial recall for several years.
Anne was a dedicated mentor to young attorneys and an active member of the Gloucester County Bar Association. She particularly loved dressing up as Mrs. Santa for the association’s annual holiday children’s party. Anne enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening, golf and, most of all, spending time with family and friends.
Anne was a devoted wife to her husband of 33 years, James Colangelo, who passed away in 2015. She is survived by her children, James W. Colangelo (Karen), Karen Colangelo, Eric W. Colangelo and Dr. Nicholas W. Colangelo (Lauren); granddaughter, Gianna Colangelo; brothers: William J. McDonnell (Xiomara), Joseph W. McDonnell (Barbara), James W. McDonnell (Rory), Francis W. McDonnell, Thomas W. McDonnell (Sharon), John W. McDonnell (Joanna); sisters: Terry Petrone (John), Margaret McDonnell, Rosemary Chew (Edgar), Elizabeth Zubrzycki (Matthew), Kathy Butcher (Mark), Joan Case (Gregory); and many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Monday evening, July 20th from 6-8pm at Givnish of Maple Shade, 600 E. Main Street, and again on Tuesday morning, July 21st from 10 -11am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help of Maple Shade, corners of Fellowship Road and Main Street, with her funeral mass beginning at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.
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