Alyssa Sharon McDonnell, beloved daughter, companion, sister, mother and friend, passed away on March 15, 2025, at Geisinger Community Medical Center following a determined battle with cancer. Born July 14, 1985, in Culver City, California, to Patrick McDonnell and the late Lisa Katzman, Alyssa brought warmth and joy to everyone who knew her.
Alyssa was a breath of fresh ocean air in NEPA, where she graduated from Dunmore High School in 2003. She found her true calling as an exceptional bartender who was responsible for many great nights full of laughter and storytelling with loyal patrons who adored her at Russell’s, and years earlier, Whistles. Alyssa had a unique charm that allowed her to get through to anyone; she had an unmatched ability to forge lasting friendships with patrons and coworkers alike. Above all, Alyssa was a devoted mother to her cherished daughter, Lucy Anne Gavern, who she raised to be cool, kind, creative and resilient. She shared the gifts of her natural athleticism and patient but competitive sportsmanship when she volunteered as coach of Lucy’s soccer team. Alyssa was a nurturer who enjoyed taking her time to prepare thoughtfully crafted home cooked meals for the people she loved and she always made sure to ask about your day or offer advice whenever she sensed support was needed. Her life was defined by the way she made people feel better about themselves, and her legacy is the lasting impression she left thanks to her sparkling personality. Alyssa was treasured by so many and her spirit lives on in those touched by her kindness, but especially in her daughter, who like her mother, is a glowing light and ray of hope through the profound sadness of our loss.
In addition to her daughter, Alyssa is also survived by her devoted longtime partner, Mike Gavern; her loving sister, Whitney McDonnell; her brothers Ryan and Patrick Ian “Petey” McDonnell; nieces Alexis and Caitlyn McDonnell; sister-in-law Lisa Miller; aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family who will miss her terribly.
A blessing service will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Vanston and James Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Her family invites all who knew and loved Alyssa to join them in celebrating her life by filling the room with joyful memories and the world with more compassion and unconditional love.
Alyssa wasn’t just a vibe, she was a vibration. She was exciting and fun and hilarious and just plain wonderful. We’re all better for having had her to learn from and enjoy life with. To offer condolences or to leave a tribute to Alyssa, please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
Kay E Brier
Mike, Lucy and all of Alyssa’s family and friends,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss of Alyssa. I will remember her always smiling.
Sending Much Love,
Kay Brier
Linda Yantorn
Sincerest condolences to the family of such a beautiful soul 💔🙏🏻She will be sorely missed but always in our hearts💖Remember. In Life They are Loved…In Memory They Live💖 Rest In Peace my Girlfriend 🍸🙏🏻🙏🏻
Gramma Alice
God bless my beautiful girl. I can’t begin to express my sadness and how much I will miss her💔
Colleen Ryan
My heartfelt condolences to all that loved Alyssa. She was a light in this world. I pray for her and her beautiful family that they can find happiness and strength in these difficult days. Xo
Mary Beth and Ducky Constantini
So very sorry. Alyssa was such a beautiful person. We loved talking to her and she was always so friendly. She will be missed . God bless! Rest in peace. 🙏🙏
Aunt Eleanor
Mike , Lucy my deepest sympathy for your loss on a wonderful Mom and partner
Bridgid Duffy Lorson & Dan Lorson
Dan and I adored Alyssa. We didn’t know her for long but she was a beautiful soul that we just loved. We are sending our love and deepest condolences. We will n never forget her.
Tiffany Kelly
Alyssa,
My family and I loved coming to see you at Russells. You made us feel
So welcomed every time we were in town. You’re truly sunshine, and your presence on earth will be felt. May you rest in peace.
Sincerely,
The Kelly Family 🙏🏾🌻
Elda Sebastianelli
You will live on forever in our hearts and conversations, laughter and tears. You have touched so many lives.. my sincerest condolences to Mike and family, especially to sweet Lucy… you have your mother’s gift of making a lasting impression! You were here reason for living<3 Rest in Peace beautiful Alyssa!
Caitlyn McDonnell
I know I’m going to miss my Aunt Alyssa forever. She always knew how to make me smile when I didn’t want to, and she always filled the room with a light that could never be matched. Nothing feels the same as it did before, and I will always hold a spot for her in my heart. I love you so much Alyssa, rest in peace gorgeous. ❤️
Mary Errico Casebolt
I was sad to see Alyssa’s obituary in the paper this morning. I was her high school drama director, and I agreed with every word I read this morning. I have been teaching for almost 30 years and I don’t always remember names and/or faces, but Alyssa left an indelible mark. She had a vibrance and energy that was quite complimentary to her infectious smile. In her short time here, she seems to have spread her light and love among many. We are all better people for having had the opportunity to have spent some time with her. God bless her loved ones as you navigate through this difficult time.
William J Ross
My sincere condolences to the family. I was one of Alyssa’s teachers at Dunmore High School. She was a wonderfully brilliant sincere student.
Doc and Bridget Halloran
Dear Whitney and all of Alyssa’s family, we are deeply saddened to hear that Alyssa has passed. She was truly a remarkable girl who spread sunshine to everyone around her. Always a smile and a kind word, she radiated an infectious personality that no one could resist! Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers……
Mary Niemotka
Dearest Family,
I do not know your sweet Alyssa, but I can’t remember the last time I was this touched by an obituary. I wish I could have met your beloved Alyssa, there are too few people in the world like her. May God be there for you, as you reach out to Him for help with this unbearable situation. I am so sorry. Sending prayers and love from Florida.
TAMMY DOUGHERTY
I’m so saddened and sorry to hear about Alyssa’s passing. She always made me, and my husband feel so welcomed and crafted the best tasting cocktails. Although, I realize it wasn’t what was in the glass but the way she presented it with kindness and loveliness. Always with a smile. She was an angel on earth. Deepest sympathy to her loving family and friends. God bless.