Elisabeth B. "Lisa" McDonnell

Elisabeth (Lisa) B. (Knieriem) McDonnell, age 90, of Chelmsford, formerly of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, October 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis Aloysius McDonnell with whom she enjoyed 49 years of marriage.

She was born in Osnabrück, Germany on August 31, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Hermann Heinrich Ludwig Knieriem and Anna Lina Else Bernhardine (Maletti).

She enjoyed travel at a young age eventually meeting her husband in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and settling there to raise her family. She started her career in banking at the Sparkasse in Osnabrück Germany and retiring from the Lenox National Bank. She also earned her associates degree in nursing and enjoyed working as a registered nurse before returning to her banking career.

In 2018 Lisa moved to Chelmsford to be close to family where she enjoyed new friends and community, volunteering, the senior center, and keeping in touch with her lifelong circle of dear friends. She enjoyed Friday lunches with her grandchildren and spending time with family.

Elisabeth leaves her children, Frank McDonnell and his wife Val Romano of Northhampton, MA, Stephanie Haynes and her husband Edward of Chelmsford, MA and grandchildren Elizabeth, Kathryn, John, and Meghan.

Elisabeth was predeceased by her husband Francis.

Memorial donations may be made in Elisabeth’s memory to the Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Rd., North Chelmsford, MA 01863.

Her family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care she received at home from a caring private caregiver, Visiting Angels, Tufts VNA and Hospice at Home.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 191 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA. KINDLY GATHER AT THE CHURCH. Interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Pittsfield.