Patricia "Tricia"

J. O'Donnell

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Jean O'Donnell, affectionately known as Tricia, who left this world unexpectedly on December 3, 2025, at the age of 62, surrounded by the love of her devoted husband, William H. O'Donnell, Jr. Tricia's journey began in Chelsea, Massachusetts, where she was born on July 18, 1963, the cherished daughter of the late Chester V. and Charlotte J. Zaksheski.
Tricia's academic journey commenced at St. Stanislaus Parochial School and continued through Williams Jr. High School, culminating with her graduation from Chelsea High School in 1981. Demonstrating a keen interest in engineering from a young age, she pursued drafting and design studies at NE Technical School in Wakefield. Her educational achievements included earning an Associate's Degree in Tool and Die Design from Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, PA, followed by an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Drafting from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Over the span of a remarkable 40-year career, Tricia contributed significantly to the fields of engineering and quality assurance at E.G. & G. in Salem, which later became PerkinElmer Optoelectronics and then Excelitas Technologies. Starting as a Drafter, her career flourished as she ascended to the role of Senior Quality Analyst, a testament to her unwavering dedication and expertise. Her commitment to education continued, as she proudly earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and management in 2012.

Tricia married the love of her life, William, on May 1, 1988. Together, they forged a beautiful life for 37 years in Peabody, Massachusetts, where their shared love and devotion were evident to all who knew them. Tricia found joy in the simple pleasures of life—celebrating holidays with family, nurturing friendships, and curling up at home to watch her favorite sci-fi and reality television shows.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, William, and her cherished family: her siblings Linda S. Wood and her late husband David of Arizona; Peter A. Zaksheski and his wife Donna of Chelsea; Andrea Z. Jackowski of Royersford, PA; and the late Dianne M. Zaksheski. Tricia was a treasured aunt to Amanda Jackowski and her partner Kyle, as well as Christopher Jackowski, all of Pennsylvania, and her late Godson, Jonathan Jackowski.

She is also survived by a large extended family, including in-laws Dorothy Morgan and her husband Michael of Saugus; James O'Donnell of Jackson, NH; Joseph F. O'Donnell and his wife Kellye of Newburyport; and Mary Welch and her husband George of Saugus. Tricia's family was further enriched by her numerous nieces and nephews, including Whitney and Keri Morgan, Joey O'Donnell Jr., Brittany O'Donnell and her daughter Ruby Dixon, Michael, and Brooke O'Donnell, George Welch III, his wife Cristin and their son Caiden, Meghan Welch, and the late Michael R. Morgan, Jr.
Tricia's life was honored with a private family farewell service and burial at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, in Peabody where she was laid to rest. Those wishing to commemorate Tricia's spirit are encouraged to consider contributing to a charity of their choosing in her name.
In her memory, we reflect upon the joy and love she brought into our lives, a lasting impression that will remain in our hearts forever.