Donor spotlight: Rose O’Donnell
When board member Rose O’Donnell found out the Friends were planning a fundraising initiative to support the library expansion, she knew she wanted to participate. “The library has been an important resource for the town,” she said.
Rose and her family moved to Westford in 1978. Her kids and grandkids have all benefited from the library’s services. Her son Bill and her daughter Julie still live in town – in fact, they live just a few doors apart from each other – and her six grandchildren, now grown, grew up here. “Westford is a fabulous town, and I just wanted to give back,” Rose said. “My kids and grandkids were all educated in Westford. So I owe a lot to the town.”
“Westford is a fabulous town, and I just wanted to give back”
Rose O’Donnell relaxing at home
Rose has given her time, talent and treasure to many Westford organizations over the years. She was the last President of the now disbanded Friends of East Boston Camps, a group that raised money to renovate the recreation area after the town purchased it from the Hymans Foundation in 2005. One of the trails at East Boston Camps, now called Stony Brook Conservation Land, is named after her late husband, Captain Bill O’Donnell. Rose’s fondness for nature extends beyond her involvement in East Boston Camps. She is an avid hiker who, at 80, says her “limit” is “anything more than six miles or more than 1200 feet elevation gain.” She is a Trail Steward with the Westford Conservation Trust, and goes out every Tuesday morning to help maintain the more than 75 miles of trails in Westford.
“I believe we have a spectacular library,” Rose said, noting that her daughter Julie visited many local libraries over the years and always concluded that Westford’s is special. “I give [Library Director] Ellen Rainville all the credit. She is magical. We are so fortunate to have her.” Rose also praised Friends President Mary Anne Seraphin, calling her a “fabulous and dedicated leader.”
Rose had a successful career in high tech, including positions as VP of Engineering until she retired. In addition to hiking, she enjoys knitting, playing bridge, gardening and especially spending time with her grandchildren.
“Westford is so fortunate to have many citizens who generously and freely give their time to the town,” Rose remarked. “These volunteers are one thing that make Westford a very special place. ” Rose is one of those citizens. The list of local organizations she supports includes the Westford Historical Society & Museum, the Westford Conservation Trust, the Parish Center For the Arts, and the Parkerville Schoolhouse.
The Friends of the Library thank Rose for her service as a board member and for her generous donation to the Library Expansion project.