Mary McDonnell Riordan, 77, died peacefully at home in Indianapolis on February 7, 2008. She was born on October 5, 1940, in Bad Axe, MI, to Beulah and John McDonnell. She attended Sacred Heart School, Bad Axe High and Central Michigan University. After college, she worked as a legal assistant for Arnold, Fortas and Porter in Washington, D.C.. On December 3, 1966, she married Richard Riordan in Detroit. They raised four children there and in Lexington, Michigan.

Mary served two terms on the Lexington Village Council and was an active member of St. Denis Parish. She and Richard loved hosting family, friends and neighbors at their home on Lake Huron. They retired to Bloomington, IN in 1996 and had lots of fun together until Richard died in 1999. They are survived by their children, Sarah and Daniel of Indianapolis, Matthew (Kristi) of Jackson Heights, NY, and John (Carrie Radabaugh) of Chicago, along with five precious grandchildren, Kate, Richard, Abby, John and Thomas Riordan.

Mary is also survived by her dear brother, Terrence McDonnell of Bad Axe, sister in law Patricia McDonnell of White Lake, MI, brother and sister in law Dr. and Mrs. John Riordan of Worcester, MA, sister and brother in law Gail and Larry McGrail of Grafton, MA, sister in law Nancy Riordan of Dallas, TX, and 26 nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother John McDonnell, her sister in law Noreen McDonnell, her brother and sister in law Lawrence and Helen Riordan, her brother in law Eugene Riordan, her niece and nephew Amy and Jud McDonnell, and her favorite dogs, Chrissy, Julie, Audrey, Charlie and Hope.
The family will hold private services at a later date. Friends considering an expression of sympathy may donate to the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, 1031 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, 46202, or Friends of Indianapolis Animal Care Services, 7399 Shadeland Ave, 46250.