Catherine Nolan O’Donnell, a former pioneering Scottish policewoman, who taught herself to be an accomplished gourmet and was the private cook to the mayor of New York City, and the mother of Nassau County District Court Judge Colin O’Donnell, has died at age 78.
Prior to immigrating to the United States, she was one of the first policewoman to be appointed an officer with the British Transport Police in Glasgow, Scotland. Arriving in the United States in 1961 she married her fiancé, fellow Scotsman Frank, in Oyster Bay. Upon becoming a proud United States citizen she taught herself to be a gourmet cook and was the private cook to NYC Mayor John Lindsey at Gracie Mansion. She prepared gourmet meals for heads of state, royalty and the mayor’s family. She subsequently worked as a library assistant at Friends Academy and headed her own catering business. Upon her retirement she was very active in the activities at Lake Arrowhead, N. Ft. Myers, Fla.
Involved in numerous community organizations, she was an active parishioner of St. Dominic RC Church, Past Regent of the Catholic Daughters of America-Court Sacred Heart, Glen Cove Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop volunteer and 40-year volunteer at the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club Mothers Club and Clothing Sale Committee.
When her son was nominated as a candidate to the Nassau County District Court, she tirelessly campaigned for his election.
“I do not think there was a parishioner she didn’t ask to take one of my bumper stickers or a lawn sign. She was my stealth campaign manager,” recalled her son, Colin.
Visiting held at Oyster Bay Funeral Home, 261 South St. Oyster Bay, www.oysterbayfuneralhome.com. Funeral Mass held at St. Dominic RC Chapel, Oyster Bay. Private cremation followed by interment at Locust Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grenville Bakers Boys & Girls Club, PO Box 344, Locust Valley, NY 11560 or the North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove Auxiliary, 101 St. Andrews Lane, Glen Cove, NY 11542, would be appreciated.
