Agnes Nessie Dondalski

Agnes "Nessie" Dondalski, 95, born on January 15th 1925 in Fife, Scotland, passed away on January 9th 2021. Nessie spent the first part of her life living in Dalkeith, Scotland where she met her first husband Ted Chwilka. While pregnant with her first born son, Frank, her husband Ted was killed in World War II. A few years later she met and married her second husband, Jan Dondalski, and they had their first daughter Janis.


In 1954, George and Agnes Pryde (Nessie's mother and father) immigrated from Scotland to California. In 1956, Nessie, Jan, Frank, and Janis followed and arrived in Monrovia, CA. Nessie and Jan had 3 more children, John, Joseph, and Cathy. Nessie lived with her family in Monrovia for the next 50 years.


In addition to raising 5 children, Nessie was very involved in her Catholic faith. She attended Immaculate Conception parish in Monrovia for 50 years. She was a volunteer teacher in the CCD religious education program for 40 straight years. Nessie's other involvements included, singing in the church choir, praying with Our Lady of Fatima rosary group, volunteering at I.C. School, and participating in the Altar Society with decorating the church and preparing the altar for masses. Nessie loved children and always lifted up their spirits. In addition to her volunteer work, she taught pre-school for many years. Nessie loved to read, write poetry, play music and sing songs. She was truly pure of heart.


Nessie spent the last 15 years of her life in Post Falls, Idaho, where she lived with and was cared for by her daughter Cathy, son-in-law, Ernest and their 7 children. Nessie passed away peacefully in their home, surrounded by her loving family.


Nessie is survived by her brother Thomas Pryde and his wife Madeleine, sister Betty Dizaye, daughter Janis Pedroche and her husband Don, son John Dondalski and his wife Sheri, son Joseph Dondalski and his wife Christine, daughter Cathy Berrier and her husband Ernest, along with 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Nessie was pre-deceased by her brother George Pryde, sister Peggy Barry, husband Jan Dondalski (November 2008), and her first son Frank Chwilka (January 1984).


Arrangements are under the direction of Douglass & Zook Funeral and Cremation Services, Monrovia, California.