Marguerite Mary (nee O’Connor) O ‘Connell, 89, of Fairfield, OH passed away suddenly on October 26, 2024 at her home. “Bunnie,” daughter of Mary “Molly” and John O’Connor, is survived by her son Brian and his wife Laura Connors of New Hampshire and son Sean and his wife Beth of Fairfield, OH. She was very proud of her grandchildren Caitlin O’Connell Westerbeck and husband Andrew, Maeve O’Connell Davis and husband Trevor, and James Connors and wife Katelyn, and she received great joy from her great grandchildren Finnian and Rory Westerbeck and Benjamin and Julie Connors. Bunnie stayed close with nieces and nephews in Ireland - Shirley Higgins and her husband Chris, John O’Connor and wife Michelle, Philip O’Connor and wife Deidre, and Maria O’Connor, along with four grandnieces and three great-grandnephews. Bunnie remained very close to her cousin Michael O’Donoghue, talking with him nearly every day, his former wife Barbara Marion, and their daughter Erin Maciag. Her friend Lisa was central to her ability to continue living at home right up to the very end. Bunnie was predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, David Joseph O’Connell, and her sister Joanne O’Connor.
Born on September 16, 1935 in New York City, NY, Bunnie graduated from Mother Cabrini High School, NYC before traveling to Ireland to visit her parents’ families in County Kerry. There she met the love of her life, Joseph, where they were married on July 6th, 1959. They returned to the Unites States shortly thereafter and resided in New York City and later in Hollywood, FL. Prior to starting a family, Bunnie was a secretary for Cunard Cruise lines. She and Joseph moved to Fairfield in 2007 where she quickly became a friend to many. An avid reader and a student of world affairs, Bunnie will be remembered for her friendliness, near-perfect memory, constant hosting of family and friends, and her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, recalling significant aspects of their lives years later. She loved being in touch with her family here and abroad and would spend hours on the telephone hearing and sharing all the latest news. She will be missed by all who loved her.
Family will receive visitors on Friday, November 15 from 8:30-10:00 am at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at The Church of the Incarnation, 1290 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York City. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Queens, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marianist Mission, Mount Saint John, 4435 East Patterson Road, Dayton, OH 45481, www.marianist.com/mission.
Topic: Marguerite “Bunnie” O’Connell Funeral Mass Time: Nov 15, 2024 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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