Christine Anne Donelan

Christine Anne (Day) Donelan, age 71, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by her family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts, on July 9, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Winthrop and Margaret (Esson) Day.

Devoted spouse to Steve Dowd for over 25 years, loving mother to Danielle, Brian, and the late Suzanne, stepmother to Ken, and beloved grandmother “Amma” of Devin, Ryan, Justin, Owen, Noah, Dahlia, and Daisy. Being a mother and grandmother was at the heart of everything she did, and she treasured time with her family above all else.

“Chrissy” as she was called in her younger years, grew up on Hale Road in East Walpole with her loving parents and siblings Gail, Johnny, and Freddie. From an early age, she was full of energy and curiosity, with a quick, playful sense of humor. The neighborhood was like one big family, and Chrissy thrived in its warmth, embracing the sense of community, forming lifelong friendships and making everyone feel welcome. She graduated from Walpole High School in 1972.

After high school, Chris began her career at Raytheon in Norwood, where she met Robert “Bobby” Grimes. They married and welcomed Danielle, followed by Suzanne and Brian. She also welcomed Bobby’s two children from a previous marriage, Diana “Dee-Dee” Grimes and Bobby Grimes, into her heart. When her parents moved to their cabin in Maine, she purchased the family house on Hale Road to raise her own children. Although her marriage to Bobby did not continue, Chris remained devoted to her children and the warmth of family life. She also kept close ties with the Grimes family, especially her former mother-in-law, Lily, and extended in-laws George and Barbara Grimes, Ronnie Grimes, and Janet Grimes and Charlie O’Hear. Her sisters and brothers-in-law became like her own siblings, and she nurtured lifelong bonds with nieces, nephews, and extended family who always felt like her own.

Chris later married the late Matthias Donelan and continued living in East Walpole. She was deeply involved in her children’s lives and the community, coaching soccer, teaching Sunday school, hosting holidays, and organizing lively block parties with music that brought neighbors together for fun and laughter. No matter where she was, Chris always had a warm circle of friends, both old and new. She had a wonderful gift for making connections and was like a second mom to many of her kids’ friends. She was always the first to open her home for a fun evening or to take the kids and their friends anywhere they wanted to go. Chris loved telling stories, making people laugh, and had a natural way of putting everyone at ease. She formed friendships that lasted throughout her life, and as she got older, she deeply valued time spent with these friends.

In 1988, Chris experienced the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Suzanne at the age of nine. This loss stayed with her always, a deep sorrow that never left her heart. She carried Suzanne’s memory in everything she did, keeping her spirit alive through stories, photographs, and the love she poured into her surviving children and family. Suzanne remained forever dearly loved, a bright light in Chris’s life that could never be dimmed.

As her children grew, Chris returned to full-time work, spending many years in the Day Surgery Departments at Norwood and Falmouth Hospitals, where she formed lasting friendships with coworkers from both places. Her nurturing spirit and love of wellness led her to become a licensed massage therapist and open her own practice in Medfield. She treasured trips to Cape Cod and New Hampshire with family and friends, adventures in Vermont, quiet stays at the family cabin in Maine, and special trips with her siblings to Vermont and Nevada, always making each moment meaningful and full of joy.

In 2001, Chris moved to Onset with Steve Dowd. Together, they shared laughter, companionship, and many meaningful moments. They loved joking with each other, attending family events, taking day trips, cheering on Boston sports teams, and spending time with their grandchildren. Chris delighted in hosting summer gatherings and Fourth of July celebrations in Onset, bringing family and friends together to enjoy the season. In 2018, they made their home in Bridgewater.

Chris’s grandchildren were the greatest joy of her life. She had a special bond with each of them, celebrating their accomplishments, cheering them on at games and events, and delighting in their unique personalities. She loved them deeply, always taking pride in who they were and who they were becoming. Chris made every grandchild feel special and valued, creating lasting memories through shared laughter, stories, and time together. Her role as Amma brought her immense happiness, and she savored every moment she could spend with them.

Chris will be remembered for her generous heart, quick wit, love of conversation, and the joy she brought to every room. She had the rare gift of making people feel at home, whether family, friends, or neighbors, and her laughter and warmth will be missed beyond measure.

Beloved spouse of Stephen Dowd of Bridgewater. Loving mother of Danielle Aikens of East Walpole, Brian Grimes and his wife Denise of Franklin, and the late Suzanne A. Grimes. Stepmother of Ken Dowd and his wife Kaci of Bellingham. Devoted grandmother of Devin Aikens, Ryan Aikens, Justin Aikens, Owen Aikens, Noah Spencer, Dahlia Dowd, and Daisy Dowd. Sister of Gail Ilvonen of Auburn, John and Carolyn Day of Providence, and Fred and Anne Day of VT. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Funeral service at 6:00 p.m. Interment private.