McDonnell remembered as warm and welcoming

There is a big hole in the front office at St. Francis High School, as they cope with the death of Pamela McDonnell, 63, of Hamburg, who was killed in a car accident in the late afternoon hours of Friday, Jan. 13.

“Pam was probably the most warming, welcoming person I knew,” said Father Michael Sajda, president of St. Francis High School.

Sajda knew McDonnell for the last 11 years, including five as principal and the last six as president.

Shortly after 3 p.m. on Jan. 13, a witness told Town of Hamburg Police that that as he was driving south on Camp Road, he observed McDonnell’s vehicle lose control on the slippery surface and spin out into the oncoming, northbound traffic. The vehicle then slid into the path of a pickup, and the truck struck the passenger side of McDonnell’s car.

The witness also said he did not believe it was possible for the driver of the pickup, who was not injured, to avoid the collision.

Officer Scott Weyrough arrived at the scene and attempted to pry open the driver’s side door in order to free McDonnell, but was unable to do so. Attempts continued until members of the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Dept. arrived with specialized extrication equipment.

She was transported to the Mercy Ambulatory Care Center in Orchard Park and was pronounced dead.

Town of Hamburg Police Captain Kevin Trask said the driver of the pickup is not facing any charges.

He said it appears the cause of the accident was “weather related, slippery roads.”

Sajda said he learned about the accident shortly after it happened.

“The police department came to the school,” said Sajda, who broke the news to McDonnell’s husband James.

Although he said it is always difficult to have to give news such as this, Sajda said he was greatful that he was the one who told McDonnell, because the family are “people of God and faith” and were very active with St. Francis High School for many years.

McDonnell worked at St. Francis High School since 1991 as an administrative assistant.

“She worked for four different principals and presidents,” Sajda said.

However, her association with the school dates back further as her son James graduated from St. Francis prior to her employment.

McDonnell is also survived by three daughters, Karen Brahler, Mary McDonnell and Elizabeth Ponkow, as well as five grandchildren.

“They are such good people,” Sajda said.

Although McDonnell worked in the office, Sajda said it is such a small institution, so her loss is going to be felt by both faculty and students.

“Most of the young men know her,” said Sajda.

McDonnell was also an active member of the Zonta Club as well as being an avid skier and member of the Hamburg Ski Club.

As an employee Sajda said she was professional, a great record keeper and “diligent.”

“I can’t say enough good things about Pam,” he said.

Sajda said a private prayer for faculty was scheduled for Tuesday and classes were cancelled Wednesday for McDonnell’s funeral.

While his faith is strong, Sajda added “We’re human. We mourn,” and said McDonnell will be missed greatly by both faculty and students.