Brea N O'Donnell

Brea Nicole O'Donnell, age 16, of North Mankato, passed away comfortably at home on Friday, February 26, 2010 surrounded by her parents and siblings.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church in North Mankato, with Rev. Bart Fletcher officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2010 at Mankato Mortuary and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Memorials are preferred to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota.

Brea was born on August 3, 1993 in Mankato to Brad and Jenifer (Garoutte) O'Donnell. She was baptized on September 19, 1993 at Belgrade Methodist Church. As an infant Brea had smiles for everyone and was always ready for a hug. She and her twin, Kelsey shared a special bond that only twins can share.

Brea was born with a rare heart defect and, at eight months, underwent surgery to repair the defect. Following life-changing complications from surgery, she had significant challenges for the remainder of her life.

Brea attended Mankato East High School. She enjoyed her classmates and special friends. She especially enjoyed choir, sewing, and cooking class. Brea had a special love of nature sounds and music. She loved camping with her family and spending time with extended family. Brea was blessed with wonderful caregivers throughout her life. She was loved by all. Brea will be remembered most for her smiles and her laugh, for although she did not have words to communicate with, she spoke to us through her facial expressions and her laughter. She will always be remembered for her special friendship with Barney the purple dinosaur who always brought out the biggest smiles!

Brea is survived by her parents, Brad and Jenifer; twin sister, Kelsey; sisters, Elizabeth and Amber; grandparents, George and Jo O'Donnell, Jim and Mary Garoutte; aunts and uncles: great-aunt Lucille O'Donnell, Brian (Shari) O'Donnell, Brennan O'Donnell, Lisa (Scott) Weber, Denise (Rob) Lemke, Sherri (Klint) Olson, Christine (Scott) Pospishil, Genise (Scott) Schuette, Cory (Brenda) Garoutte; cousins, Kyle, Kayla, Katie, Derek, Olivia, Spencer, Sondra, Amanda, Carrie, Cassie, Callie, Tyler, Brandyn, Caitlyn, Madelyn, Hayden, Desiree, Danielle, Adam, Grace; and many other relatives, friends and classmates.