Leila Jane Donnelly

Leila Jane Donnelly, a beloved wife, mother, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, in Keller, Texas. Born on August 13, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Leila was the daughter of Gerald Emmet and Mildred Leila (Briles) Roberts.

Leila graduated from high school in Carpentersville, Illinois, as a part of the Class of 1962, before embarking on a journey filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

In 1974, Leila married the love of her life, Peter J. Donnelly, with whom she shared a beautiful union of 50 years.

Leila's passion for serving others led her to volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, where she made a lasting impact on the lives of many young individuals.

Throughout her life, Leila touched the hearts of all who knew her with her warm smile, kind heart,and infectious sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by her family, including her husband Peter, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Leila is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Mildred Roberts, as well as her older brother, Terry Shelton.

She is survived by her loving family - her husband Peter J. Donnelly, her children, Robert J Dorband,Jr., David Alan Dorband (LiRong), and Kathleen E. Simms (Clif), grandchildren, great grandchildren,her sisters Shirley Kozlow, Rae F. Byington, and Gerilyn Behan, along with her brother, Eddie Roberts.

A rosary and reception celebrating Leila's life will be held from 5PM-8PM on July 29th at the Lucas Funeral Home in Keller, located at 1601 South Main Street in Keller, Tx - where friends and family can pay their respects and honor her memory. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church at 10:30AM July 30th , followed by an Inurnment.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of North Texas or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

May the services be a reflection of the love and light that Leila brought into the world—a compassionate, celebratory, and reflective tribute to a life well-lived.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing her.