Sister Patricia O'Donnell was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on June 18, 1936, to George P. O'Donnell and Theresa (Durkin) O'Donnell. After graduating from Salem High School, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on September 7, 1956. She took her first vows on July 30, 1959, and final vows on July 30, 1964.
She earned her associate's degree in Mental Health Technology at Northern Essex Community College and her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Salem State College in 1985. She worked as a portress, greeting visitors at SNDdeN facilities in Waltham, Ipswich and Tyngsborough, Massachusetts. She became the retreat director for the Loretto House in Ipswich and, for many years, served as the patient advocate for Notre Dame du Lac in Worcester.
Sister Patricia went home to her good God on December 17, 2023, at the age of 87.