Hilary T. McDonnell ~ 1964 - 2023

On Sunday, January 29, 2023, Hilary T. McDonnell, passed away peacefully at the age of fifty-eight. She was born in Pasadena, Calif. to Michele Vayssie and Bruce Petke. Though she was adopted at birth by Clair and Frank Hall, she reunited with her birth parents in South Lake Tahoe when she was 25.

Hilary was an avid athlete. She loved basketball and softball and she shared her love of softball with her daughter, Ashley. You could find her at the ball field or on the beach listening to live music and enjoying food. She had a passion for music like no one else, that’s probably why she married a musician. Hilary was best known for her quick-witted humor, fierce determination, and generous spirit.

It would be wrong to say that Hilary lost her battle with Multiple Sclerosis because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. She always had that big smile no matter what. When anyone else would have broken, Hilary stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Hilary. Just because she is no longer here, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight.

She is survived by her daughter, Ashley, her sisters, Kristin and Elise, and her mother Michele. She was predeceased by her husband James (Co) McDonnell.

A memorial service will be held at Steamers Bar and Grill, on February 18, 2023 at 3 p.m. Please RSVP to Ashley.